WIREDGOV

Energy UK yesterday joined with business and environmental organisations to urge the Government to be more ambitious in supporting take-up of electric vehicles – a similar call to that made by the National Infrastructure Commission.

In their letter to the Prime Minister, Energy UK call for a range of measures to support drivers looking to buy electric cars, including accelerating phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles.

The National Infrastructure Commission has also called for more ambition in encouraging take-up of electric vehicles in its first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment, which highlights the need for a truly national and visible charging network.

Recommendations for action include that councils should allocate a portion of their parking spaces for charging electric vehicles as part of a range of measures to support for drivers looking to make the switch.

Responding to the letter from Energy UK to the Government, a National Infrastructure Commission spokesman yesterday said:

“Recent figures have shown the increasing demand there is for electric vehicles.  Today’s call from Energy UK and business is therefore a welcome recognition of the benefits this can bring to the UK.

“But to support drivers to make the switch from petrol and diesel, our National Infrastructure Assessment recommends that councils work with charge point providers to ensure more of their parking spaces – including on-street parking – can be ready for electric vehicles.

“This should be a key part of delivering a truly visible and national charging network so that as demand for electric cars continues to surge, our infrastructure can keep up.”

Notes to Editors:

The National Infrastructure Assessment made a series of recommendations for preparing the UK for electric vehicles – see details here