Drivers believe upgrading signage for the public EV chargepoints
are necessary to help boost the prominence of the public network
according to a study by The AA.
More than half of the 8,268 prospective EV drivers said that
steps such as a clearer, universal sign should be used to help
chargers stand out (56%*), alongside totem pole pricing boards
used at fuel forecourts (51%), as well as subtle tactics such as
including chargepoints on built-in sat-navs for petrol and diesel
cars (52%).
When asked about updating the existing chargepoint sign, more
than three quarters (77%) said that using a ‘green P' would have
the most impact when indicating the location of chargers,
compared to the current sign which utilises the traditional ‘blue
P' parking sign.
More chargepoints can convince drivers to switch
As well as upgrading the signs, The AA investigated how many
public chargers would be needed to help convince drivers to make
the switch from combustion to electric.
The government is on track to reach its target of 300,000
publicly available chargers by 2030**, however respondents said
that a figure around 380,000 by the same deadline would give them
the confidence to change to an electric vehicle.
While the total number of chargers is only one aspect of
hesitation from drivers, members have also expressed concerns
about the speed of charging alongside accessibility and concerns
about their personal safety. The AA is calling on chargepoint
operators and the government to discuss and tackle these issues
more, to help give those considering an EV more confidence to
switch.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said; “While it's
great to see charging infrastructure installed across the
country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain
sight.
“Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a
‘green P' will help sign the way, highlight the network and give
more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it
seems a sensible upgrade to make.
“A visible public charging network is just one aspect that
drivers are looking at when considering if the time is right for
them to go electric. Charger reliability, speed of charging,
cost, accessibility and personal safety are all being weighed up
by consumers before making the leap. The more government and
chargepoint operators can do to help address these issues, the
more EVs we may see on the road.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Yonder received 14,695 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 14th to 21st January 2025, of which 8,268 said
they would consider buying an EV in the future. Yonder is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
** Public chargepoints for
electric vehicles - NAO report
