-
· Ministers
write to Local Authorities encouraging the uptake of funding for
on-street residential charging
-
· Viable
EV charging network is crucial to the development of a
mass-market
-
· Local
Authorities need to embrace the funds and think about other
charging needs, potentially using planning conditions
The Government has publicised that Ministers MP and MP have written to Local
Authorities to encourage uptake of a scheme that supports the
deployment of on-street residential electric vehicle charging.
The letter reveals that only five Local Authorities have taken
advantage of the scheme to date, which covers up to 75% of the
cost of procuring and installing on-street residential charge
points, despite the funding being available since 2016.
Local Authorities, under Section 106 requirements and the
“Merton Rule,” have the ability to go further than only use
central Government funds. They have the powers to compel
developers to build EV charge units on their properties,
alongside other measures such as requirements for buildings to
self-generate a portion of their own power through onsite
renewables.
Commenting on the letter, Matthew Trevaskis, Head of
Electric Vehicles at the Renewable Energy
Association said:
“A sea-change in transport is underway but creating a
mass-market for EVs is a chicken-and-egg scenario. Prices for new
electric cars are falling and widespread uptake will bring
benefits for the UK and consumers, but a viable charging
infrastructure needs to be in place for them to really become
commonplace across the country.
“Local Authorities have a key role to play in supporting
uptake and action should be taken to ensure that all funding for
this sector is used. On-street charging, which this funding
targets, is also just one portion of the larger picture. Local
Authorities need to be thinking about a rapid expansion of
charging facilities at workplaces, at supermarkets, along major
roadways and in other retail spaces to offer other alternatives
for those without off-street parking.
“Planning legislation including the ‘Merton Rule’ gives them
the capability to introduce building standards that go beyond
central government requirements, for example compelling
developers to create buildings with onsite solar and EV charge
points.”
—ENDS—
Notes to editors
