Local authorities are being urged to take advantage of a £20 million fund for the creation of on-street electric vehicle charge points in towns and cities.
On 2 February, transport secretary Grant Shapps announced that funding for the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will continue into 2021/22.
The purpose of the scheme is to increase the availability of on-street charging points in residential streets where off-street parking is not available.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 140 projects have benefitted, supporting the introduction of nearly 4,000 charge points. The DfT hopes the new funding could double that figure, helping to ‘tackle poor air quality and supporting economic growth’.
It adds that local councils play an essential role in providing electric vehicle infrastructure – and that it is welcoming applications from councils which are yet to apply for funding, as well as those that have already benefited.
Grant Shapps said: “From Cumbria to Cornwall, drivers across the country should benefit from the electric vehicle revolution we’re seeing right now.
“With a world-leading charging network, we’re making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles, creating healthier neighbourhoods and cleaning up our air as we build back greener.”
Drivers must have ‘affordable and convenient’ options
Meanwhile, a UK think tank says the Government needs to deliver a rapid expansion in the number of electric vehicle charge points, if it wants to successfully phase-out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
The report, published by Policy Exchange, says drivers must have affordable and convenient options to charge their EV – regardless of where they are in the UK or their circumstances.
This includes drivers with no access to off street parking.
Reacting to the Policy Exchange report, the RAC says without a big increase in the number of charge points across the UK, certain parts of the country risk getting left behind as 2030 approaches.
Rod Dennis, RAC spokesman, said: “In time, many drivers will benefit from a full charge before they even leave the house thanks to home charging.
“But this is only part of the solution as those without off-street parking may struggle to charge from home for some considerable time so it is vital we have a network of ubiquitous, reliable and easy-to-use public charge points.
“Having a sufficient number of charge points will also become especially important in those rural areas of the UK that see large annual influxes of visitors by car in the summer months.
“Without a big increase in the number of charge points right across the UK, certain parts of the country risk getting left behind as 2030 approaches.”
Yes to E bikes (and yes to E motorbikes too.) However let us not forget the humble commuter motorbike with a small petrol engine capable of 100mpg in some cases as part of our national transport strategy. Unfortunately, in view of past government performance, I’m not particularly optimistic about seeing PTWs appear in the new Wales Transport Strategy currently being drafted.
Pat, Wales
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I agree with Pat. I think the focus on electric cars is very much driven by the auto industry and its need to sell newer cars rather than fewer cars.
As we get more electric cars then the loss in tax revenues will not be sustainable. There will either be a need for taxing the electricity needed to charge them or introduce road pricing. This is not an issue of politics but of fiscal consequences.
And for all the talk of “Zero” emissions, that is only at the point of use and does not reflect any emissions created in generating the power or other adverse consequences.
We need a sensible debate on EVs and the full implications. And as a society we really do need “fewer cars” rather than “newer cars” even if they are electric.
Of course E-bikes, E-scooters, E-cargo bikes are much more efficient in their energy use and road space. Lets make real progress on those also.
Rod King, Lymm
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I’ve been inclined to predict a reduction in collisions when one day all cars on the road are electric (everyone can benefit from no infernal clutch/gearbox and just two pedals including a big brake pedal) …but my enthusiasm for this notion has been tempered somewhat by the mentioned reputed acceleration times of the Tesla. Some naive, rich motorists will no doubt fall for that one.
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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I wonder why electric = green and ‘friendly’?
e.g. Battery materials made from expensive elements sometimes excavated from ‘conflict zone’ 3rd world countries. Quite a negative environmental footprint acquired before it even leaves the showroom. Never mind, I’m comforted by the fact that the air around my community will be even better in future, not that it is a problem here now.
Oh, and by the way Tesla holds the record for the fastest accelerating road car on sale in the world today (Google: new plaid + ).
I’m not against electric cars but can we have grown up conversations about the technology, “warts and all” ?…and will someone lend me one of those Tesla plaid+ for a test drive please.
0-60mph in under 2 seconds hmmm.
Pat, Wales
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Cumbria to Cornwall OK, what about Dumfries to Thurso, or even Stornoway?
Robert Bolt, St Albans
+1