Two out of five local authorities in the UK are yet to engage with the fleet sector when considering electric vehicle charging needs, according to research from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing association (BVRLA).
The results form part of the association’s new Fleet Friendly Charging Index, which also shows that nearly two thirds (63%) of authorities are yet to publish an electric vehicle (EV) strategy.
The BVRLA Fleet Friendly Charging Index highlights the scale of the challenge for fleets, who it says regularly battle with unreliable, inaccessible, or absent public charging infrastructure.
It was launched alongside an updated Fleet Charging Guide at a Reception in the House of Commons on Wednesday (March 15).
The index and guide provide some essential insights on the range of charging challenges that fleets are experiencing and highlight some ways in which local and national government, airports and electricity network operators (DNOs) can improve things.
Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “The fleet sector is pulling the nation forward on its drive to decarbonise, but charging infrastructure is failing to keep up. Local authorities have the power to make a real difference and we want to help them help fleets.
“Armed with our Fleet Charging Guide, we are supercharging our engagement on this topic. Conversations are taking place with decision makers the length and breadth of the country.
“The index shows where the most collaboration is needed, and we are fully equipped to share the insights that will shape a fleet friendly network from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.”
The launch event at the House of Commons saw the association and senior industry stakeholders meet with MPs from all parties. They heard about the vital role that fleets play in bringing electric vehicles to UK roads, as well the extreme barriers presented by the current charging infrastructure.
The event showed MPs how their constituency ranks at a national level and saw them pledge to support the rollout of a suitable EV infrastructure.
The association is calling on all members and fleet professionals to become part of the solution. The Fleet Friendly Charging Index features an interactive map to show the progress of each authority, as well as contact details for the local decision-makers.
Each engagement with a local authority makes the sector’s voice louder and brings fleet needs up the agenda.
The BVRLA team can be reached at policy@bvrla.co.uk to discuss any activity further or share additional resources to facilitate local conversations.
> Interested in comparing electric vehicle data? Check out our EV tool.
> Interested in ensuring the efficient use of EVs. Check out our dedicated editorial sections: Insight & policy | EV news | Charging & infrastructure | Costs & incentives | Benefit-in-kind | EV case studies | EV road tests
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
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