EV growth outstripping network development

A new report has predicted that there will be 2.5 million EVs and hybrids sold in the UK in 2030, with 33.4 million EVs on the road by 2040.

The study, carried out by EY and Eurelectric, highlighted the need for the development of charging infrastructure and supply chains to be both accelerated and optimised in the coming years.

It suggested that Europe will need upwards of 140 million residential, private and public chargers to support an estimated 239 million EVs throughout the continent, with more than 20 million chargers in the UK alone.

Maria Bengtsson, Electric Vehicle lead at EY UK, said: “This study highlights the ongoing challenges to the EV transition around the world, including here in the UK. What’s clear is that collaboration across sectors is absolutely key. The infrastructure challenges facing the UK’s EV transition are significant, but they are contributed to by a range of factors.

“For example, in order for the roll out of EV chargers to be scaled up, the application process for grid connections has to be smoother and faster, access to key potential sites for chargers has to be easier and, once installed, chargers have to be more reliable.

“A successful roll out of charging infrastructure is needed to encourage more consumers and corporates to make the transition to electric and keep the UK on track to end the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030.”