One-fifth (21%) of electric vehicle drivers using the public and manufacturer-owned chargepoint infrastructure have experienced issues with the network.
A survey of 3,000 EV drivers by Zap-Map in partnership with the REA found 83% of respondents are still reliant on their EV for essential travel.
Of those surveyed, 29% are using the public and manufacturer-owned chargepoint infrastructure.
However, the vast majority of respondents said they were satisfied with the charging network.
Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the REA, said: “The data shows just how robust and reliable EVs and the public and manufacturer-owned charging networks are, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
“This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the industry who keep the networks running.
“With the lockdown set to continue it is important that the public has access to publicly owned and operational charge points.
“We are committed to working with OLEV to ensure any problems are identified as quickly as possible.”
One-quarter (24%) of the drivers reliant on EVs for essential travel identify as key workers, with the largest proportion (36%) working in healthcare with others working across a range of sectors including utilities, food delivery, transport, public safety and education.
The survey found just 47% of these key workers were reliant on the public charging network, which REA said demonstrates how important the charging infrastructure continues to be for many EV drivers.
The two key lockdown-related issues cited are either delays to chargers being repaired and inaccessibility of charge points where a site has been closed or is now behind a barrier.
As it stands, 430 charging points out of a total of more than 18,000 in across the UK have been identified as temporarily non-accessible due to lockdown measures.
In response to its findings, the REA has contacted the Government asking it to classify public and manufacturer owned EV charging maintenance personnel as key workers.
It is also working with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to fully understand issues relating to site accessibility.
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Andrew Ryan is the features editor at Fleet News. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and has specialised in the fleet industry for the past 12.
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