Key highlights:
- The car industry of the UK has demanded the government mandating targets for EV Chargers.
- The SMMT has come up with a seven-point plan to improve the lagging EV charging infrastructure.
- SMMT has also assigned a regulatory body called “Ofcharge” or the Office of Charging.
Britain’s automobile industry has demanded the UK government to mandate targets for rolling out EV charging infrastructure. The government will also create a new regulatory body to oversee the market conditions and enforce minimum standards.
The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) stated that the industry has assembled a seven-point plan to improve lagging EV Charger infrastructure in the country. The plan covers calling for a national coordinated charging infrastructure plan and significant investments in chargers.
Ofcharge to oversee EV Charging infrastructure
SMMT has also formed a new regulatory body called “Ofcharge” or the Office of Charging. This regulatory body will oversee the price levels to ensure that charging vehicles are cost-effective and also to enforce regulate minimum standards.
It was previously confirmed that the Britain government will invoke an effective ban on fossil-fuel vehicles by 2030. A similar ban was proposed by European Commission that will invoke from 2035.
However, the lack of public charging stations will make it difficult for switching to EV vehicles. There is also a sense of doubt from the consumer to switch to unfamiliar technology.
Combustion vehicle to EV vehicle essential switch
The U.S. and European countries are strategizing to phase out combustion engines in the coming decade. Although, the major challenge they face is providing the access to enough public chargers for the millions of residents that own or will own an EV.
In the year between 2019 and 2021, the SMMT reported that the number of plug-in cars on Britain roads jumped 280% and the EV charge points surged to 70%. To initiate the plan of combustion phase-out, the government needs to come up with a strategy that will minimize the gap between charger availability and EV vehicles in Britain. The SMMT aims to address the same through this infrastructure plan.
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