The UK’s car industry wants more electric charging points installed

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has today published a new seven-point plan for a better electric infrastructure in the UK.

Representing the UK’s automotive industry, the SMMT’s plan calls for targets on infrastructure rollout and a new independent regulator to monitor the evolving and changing EV landscape.

According to the SMMT, the UK currently has the best ratio of chargers to electric cars in the west – one charger per 32 battery electric vehicles. It lags only behind China (1:11), South Korea (1:12) and Japan (1:17).

However, the take-up of new electric cars has outstripped the provision of public charging. SMMT data shows sales of plug-in cars grew by 280.3 per cent between 2019 and 2021, but charge point stock only grew by 69.8 per cent in the same period.

Same story for pure electric cars. Sales grew by 586.8 per cent in that same period, while rapid and ultra charger stock only grew by 82.3 per cent. This, says the SMMT, is ‘undermining consumer confidence’.

Calling for a greater collaboration between government, industry and stakeholders, the seven-step plan involves a national plan on charging infrastructure, a nationally coordinated delivery, significant investment to better public charging, setting targets, better regulation for a better consumer experience, better incentives and to ensure networks are future-proofed.

SMMT boss Mike Hawes said: “The automotive industry is up for the challenge of a zero emission new car and van market by 2035. Delivering this ambition – an ambition that would put the UK ahead of every major market in the world – needs more than automotive investment. It needs to commensurate commitment of all other stakeholders, especially the charging industry as surveys show that range anxiety has been replaced by charging anxiety.

“Our plan puts the consumer at the heart of this transition, assuring them of the best possible experience backed by an independent regulator. With clear, equivalent targets and support for operators and local authorities that match consumer needs, government can ensure the UK has a chargepoint network that makes electric mobility a reality for all, cutting emissions, driving growth and supporting consumers across the UK.”