Local Authorities have no time to develop EV infrastructure strategy

Nine out of 10 local authorities are yet to implement an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strategy, with a lack of time cited as the biggest barrier.

In a study conducted by charge point operator Believ, council representatives added to growing concerns that the rollout of public charge points is falling well behind the Government’s ambition to deliver 300,000 by 2030. 

Time was cited as the biggest barrier (63%), followed by lack of funding (40%) and then councillor pushback, though the numbers were small (6%).  Almost all (98%) expected it would take more than 12 months to roll out an EV charging infrastructure strategy across their local authority. 

A nationwide survey, conducted by Believ in 2022, found that only 14% of local authorities in the UK have dedicated resource for implementing new EV infrastructure. It also found that a lack of funding and guidance from central Government means local authorities can only allocate 15 hours per week to EV projects. 

The latest findings come in the context of new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and published in The Times that show that in some areas of the UK there are up to 85 EVs competing for a single charge point, and pressure is mounting for local authorities to prioritise the switch to electric. 

Perran Moon, interim CEO at Believ, said the recent findings are reflective of the situation on the ground and a lack of urgency in the roll out of vital EV infrastructure.

He added: “Our findings suggest that there is still clearly a hesitancy due to lack of time and lack funding by local authorities to begin the process of rolling out charge point infrastructure. And crucially, local authority’s need the support, expertise, and guidance from charge point operators.”

A separate study, in March, found that nearly half of local authorities believe it will take less than a year to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, when it actually takes closer to three.

Liberty Charge found that 85% of local authorities believe it will take less than two years to install EV charging infrastructure, including charge point strategy creation.