Welsh Liberal Democrats have this week called on both the Welsh
Government and local councils to work together along with
industry to ensure Wales is not left behind in the roll-out of
electric vehicle charging points.
Sales of electric vehicles grew by over 130% in the year to May
2020, with sales expected to grow further in the coming years.
Consultancy Capital Economics last year estimated that the UK
will need 25.3m charge points by 2050 if we are to hit the
legislated target of net zero carbon emissions.
This news coupled with a report from the Senedd’s Economy
Infrastructure and Skills Committee could indicate that Wales has
the potential to fall behind in our bid to become carbon neutral
by 2050.
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:
“The lack of charging points is clearly as issue for people all
over Wales.
“Many homes, especially those in built up urban areas where on
road parking is common, will be unable or reluctant to consider
an electric vehicle as home charging is not practical.
“Similarly, there are large swathes of rural mid Wales where
there are no charging points, which will limit the appeal of
these vehicles if they can only be charged at home.
“I want the Welsh Government to work constructively with local
councils and industry in the years ahead to plan and deliver a
network of charging points to truly enable Wales to embrace the
electric vehicle revolution.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Rodney Berman
added:
“It’s clear that the government cannot achieve the necessary
increases alone. A Senedd report published last year recommend
that the Welsh Government should be proactively working with
local authorities to increase the uptake.
“The UK Government is providing significant funding for
individuals and businesses to install EV charging points.
However, it is paramount that the Welsh Government makes it a
priority to encourage more take up in order to coordinate the
introduction of a Wales-wide network of public charging points
and ensure Wales doesn’t lag behind other parts of the UK. We
also need to look at how more public charging points could be
installed where it is not practical for people to install their
own.
“If Wales is to become a carbon neutral nation by 2050 the
widespread roll-out of electric vehicles for both private and
public transport is a must, but it also needs to happen much more
quickly than is currently the case.”
