Plans to install more charge points for electric vehicles in a bid to boost ultra-low emission models will be announced today.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will unveil the proposals that could make it easier to recharge electric vehicles than refuel petrol or diesel cars with the hundreds of thousands new charge points.
The government’s Road to Zero Strategy will also assess whether new homes and offices should be required to install charge points as it includes more money to fund charging infrastructure.
“The Road to Zero Strategy, combined with the measures we’ve already introduced, will mean Britain now has one of the most comprehensive support packages for zero-emission vehicles in the world,” Mr Grayling will say.
“We want the UK to become the best country in the world in which to develop and manufacture zero-emission vehicles.
Image: Chris Grayling wants to encourage more people to adopt ultra-low emission vehicles
“The prize is not just a cleaner and healthier environment but a UK economy fit for the future and the chance to win a substantial slice of a market estimated to be worth up to £7.6 trillion by 2050.”
Outdoor air pollution is contributing to around 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK.
In London, pollution is largely caused by road transport and domestic and commercial heating systems.
The government’s strategy calls for new street lighting columns on UK roads with on-street parking to have charging points in appropriate locations.
It is expected to outline more details of its ban on sales of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040.
New cars must do at least 50 miles using electric power by 2040
Most hybrids today can only manage around 30 miles solely using electric power
Hybrids and pure electrics held just 5.5% of the UK’s new car market in the first six months of the year – compared with 4.2% during the same period in 2017.
The growth in electric car use could be hindered by limitations in the public charging network, a study for motoring research charity the RAC Foundation found.
Without widespread, reliable and easy-to-use charging points, the mass market appeal of ultra-green vehicles may be restricted, the report warned.
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Eight out of 10 drivers see the lack of charging points as a stumbling block for them to buy an electric vehicle, separate AA research showed.
“A big push on a range of slow, fast and rapid charging points should help overcome this hurdle,” the motoring association’s president Edmund King said.
Source: Sky