We need to build confidence around EV charging

By Alfonso Martinez, UK country manager at ALD Automotive/LeasePlan UK

Last week, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) published its report into the progress of the Government’s 2030 net zero goals, where it spells out in no uncertain terms the extent of the challenge that we as a country face in reducing our carbon emissions. 

As a proud founding member of EV100, we as a company agree with the overall sentiment of the report, namely that we need to see more controlled urgency from the Government around electric vehicles, particularly within the commercial vehicle market.

We know that electric vehicles, including eLCVs, offer numerous environmental benefits making them crucial for achieving our shared net-zero vision. Therefore, we’d like to see the Government working in lockstep with vehicle manufacturers to ensure that businesses and drivers have access to affordable low emission vehicles. This also means encouraging entrants from new markets. 

At the same time, we need to build confidence around EV charging so that drivers feel empowered to make the switch without delay.

We’d therefore encourage the Government to continue to develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure network that spans urban, suburban, and rural areas, while delivering assurance to drivers that the cost of electricity will remain stable. 

Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to see a joined-up approach from industry players, the Government and the UK media in helping to educate the market about the facts of switching to electric.

There are too many misleading headlines referring to the 2030 deadline as a "ban", when in reality it signifies the end of new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.

By disseminating accurate information, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about transitioning to EVs.

As our recent World EV Day research revealed, UK drivers are looking for affordability, simplicity and intuitiveness when it comes to the EV switch.

If we can collectively deliver on these three things, I’m confident that we’ll be able to deliver great things in a short period of time.