The National Audit Office has warned that plans to roll out 300,000 electric vehicle charge points across the UK by 2030 could create a regional divide between well-connected areas in London and the south-east and the rest of the country. According to the NAO, London has more charge points per capita than any other region, with 44% of all public charge points in London and the south-east. Only 15% of charge points in England are in rural areas.
While the government is on track to meet its 2030 goal, the NAO found that there is more to be done to ensure adequate coverage in all parts of the country. Delays have been faced due to local authority plans taking longer to develop than expected. Additionally, the rollout has been hindered by slow and costly processes for charge point operators to obtain planning permissions and electricity grid connections.
The NAO has urged the UK to prioritize the rollout of public charge points, particularly in key locations along long-distance journeys to boost confidence in switching to electric vehicles. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the House of Commons’ public accounts committee, emphasized that issues with planning permissions and grid connections were acting as roadblocks to progress.
The government has been approached for comment on the issue. The NAO’s warning highlights the importance of adequate and efficient infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the UK.
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