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An influential select committee today called on the Government to be more ambitious in encouraging take-up of electric cars, and bring forward their proposals for 100 per cent electric car and van sales from 2040 to 2032 – which would be in line with recommendations in the National Infrastructure Assessment

The business, energy and industrial strategy select committee warned that the charging infrastructure in the UK is “not fit for purpose”, and could be one of the greatest barriers to growing the market in electric vehicles.

The National Infrastructure Assessment – the first ever for the UK – highlights the need for a truly national, visible charging network, both through Government funding for charging points in areas where the private sector won’t deliver in the short term, and through councils allocating a portion of their parking spaces to future charging points.

The Assessment also includes the clear recommendation that this should be in place to enable 100 per cent electric car and van sales by 2030.

Responding to today’s report, a spokesman for the National Infrastructure Commission said:

“With more drivers making the switch from petrol and diesel to electric cars each year, the committee are right to highlight the need for action now so that our infrastructure doesn’t dampen this growing demand.

“Through our National Infrastructure Assessment, we recommend the Government work with Ofgem and local authorities to create a truly national, visible charging network and ensure people can make the switch confident they will be able to charge their cars during or at the end of their journey – wherever in the country that is.”

View report: Electric vehicles: driving the transition

Notes to Editors:

The National Infrastructure Assessment recommendations can be found here