Government supports EV spike

The government has responded to a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales by announcing a £10m investment in charging infrastructure.

Part of a £35m investment in the ultra low emission vehicle sector, the £7.5m funding for workplace chargepoints, coupled with the £2.5m for residential on-street infrastructure is set to accelerate EV uptake further.

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said, ‘The £10m government investment in workplace and residential chargepoints is sure to boost motorists’ confidence in electric cars and vans while accelerating uptake rates. While more than 90% of electric car charging takes place at home, this announcement gives drivers extra options and addresses a perceived lack of accessible chargepoints.

‘Looking at year-on-year growth, September was the 53^rd consecutive month of registrations rises in the electric car market. There are more plug-in cars on our streets than ever before. As more drivers realise the cost-saving benefits of these vehicles and the variety of models continues to expand, we expect uptake to continue its strong upward trend.’

Transport Minister, John Hayes added, ‘The number of ultra low emission vehicles on our roads are at record levels and we are committing £35m to help install new chargepoints and offer new grants as we aim for nearly all cars and vans on our roads to be zero emission by 2050.’

Already in 2016 EV sales have surpassed the year total for 2015, with 28,697 units sold.