Rapid chargers on electric forecourts ‘key’ to electric vehicle switch

More than two-thirds (68%) of drivers would be more likely to switch to an electric vehicle (EV) if they had access to a rapid 30-minute charge at an electric forecourt, a survey from Venson Automotive Solutions suggests.

The first EV charging forecourt opened in Essex recently. Gridserve, the sustainable energy company behind the first EV forecourt, plans to build 100 more sites in the coming five years – but expects far more sites will be needed.

The Venson survey results agree, with more than three in five (63%) respondents saying they would like to see more investment in public charging points.

Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “This new style of forecourt, with rapid charging points and excellent amenities on site, are a glimpse into the future of sustainable travel for both consumer and commercial drivers.

“Alongside convenience stores, high-tech  play areas and exercise bikes for visitors to enjoy, the new latest forecourt features comfortable ‘office pods’ to allow company car drivers to stay connected, have meetings and generally avoid down time while their vehicle charges.”

The Venson survey also confirms that company car drivers have an appetite for EVs, with one in four calling for the Government to introduce new legislation to encourage businesses to move to fully electric company cars and commercial vehicles within the next five years.

Bell continued: “The expansion of the UK’s national charging network, ever-improving battery performance and the falling cost of EVs are helping to make the technology an increasingly popular choice for fleets.”

Venson has produced a number of whitepapers focussed on the benefits of EV fleets, including details of the costs and convenience of EVs and answering key questions that could be creating barriers to greater EV ownership.

Fleet managers and commercial drivers can visit the Venson website to download a free copy. 

If you could visit an Electric Forecourt - the alternative to a Fuel Forecourt - and conduct a rapid 30-minute charge opposed to charging your car at home, would this encourage you to buy an EV?

The transport minister says that “people in the UK should have the best opportunities to make the switch to cleaner cars”. What further action can the Government take to encourage take up of EVs?