Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Fails to Meet Demand, Survey Suggests

Strategic Insights -

A recent survey conducted by Direct Line Motor Insurance has revealed the significant challenges faced by electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the UK due to inadequate public charging infrastructure. The poll of 1,000 UK EV drivers highlights the need for reliable and accessible charging facilities to boost confidence and convenience among EV owners. The survey found that two-thirds of respondents had to wait more than 10 minutes at a public charging station, with an average delay of 22 minutes, and many reported instances of public charging spots being blocked by cars not plugged in or devices not working.

Key Takeaways:

  • 66% of EV drivers in the UK have had to wait more than 10 minutes at a public charging station, with an average delay of 22 minutes.
  • 74% of respondents reported seeing public charging spots blocked by cars not plugged in.
  • 64% have found devices not working at public charging stations.
  • 80% of EV drivers said they look for destinations when planning UK leisure trips that they can reach without needing to recharge en-route.
  • The Government has pledged to ban the sale of new fully petrol or diesel cars and vans from 2030, with a target of 300,000 public EV charging points by that point.
  • The UK's rollout of public EV chargers is on track to meet the estimated minimum of 300,000 by 2030, according to a report by the National Audit Office.

Statistics:

  • 66% of EV drivers in the UK have had to wait more than 10 minutes at a public charging station.
  • The average delay experienced by respondents who said they have had to wait to start charging was 22 minutes.
  • 74% of respondents reported seeing public charging spots blocked by cars not plugged in.
  • 64% have found devices not working at public charging stations.
  • 80% of EV drivers said they look for destinations when planning UK leisure trips that they can reach without needing to recharge en-route.
  • The UK's public charging infrastructure has grown to more than 84,000 public charging points, with the network growing by around two new chargers every hour.

Sources:

  • Direct Line Motor Insurance
  • Censuswide
  • National Audit Office (December 2022)
  • InstaVolt