More than a fifth of drivers have blamed the poor on-street charging infrastructure as the main barrier preventing them from transitioning to electric vehicles, according to new research.
A report by Vauxhall has revealed that 23 per cent of businesses cite charging infrastructure as the primary obstacle to electrifying their fleets.
The findings highlighted growing concerns about the UK's public charging network as businesses look to adopt greener vehicles as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
With 40 per cent of UK households lacking driveways, many drivers are reliant on public charging points to power electric vehicles.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Drivers have stated poor on-street charging network as a key barrier to switching to an electric car
VAUXHALL
The research revealed that an overwhelming 91 per cent of fleet operators told Vauxhall their drivers would need to rely on on-street public charging to power their vehicles.
The study also found that 81 per cent of businesses said installing EV charging provisions at their operating bases would be "problematic". Despite these challenges, 83 per cent of fleet operators currently using electric vans reported benefits to their business.
Additionally, 91 per cent believed switching to an all-electric fleet would positively impact customer perception of their business. The study noted that 84 per cent of fleet operators already have at least one electric van on their fleet with 90 per cent planning to add an electric van within the next year.
However, businesses said it would be practical to adopt an all-electric fleet before late 2028. Despite this, 90 per cent of fleet operators plan for their business to be fully electric before 2035, when the UK Government's ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales is set to take effect.
90 per cent of surveyed fleets would opt for an electric vehicle next year
VAUXHALL
Figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed a 1.3 per cent growth in electric van uptake in 2024.
Eurig Druce, Group Managing Director at Stellantis UK, said: "The findings of the Vauxhall Electric Van Adoption Report highlight the growing reliance of UK businesses on residential EV charging infrastructure to make the electric transition.
"As one of the UK's oldest established vehicle manufacturers, we aim to support British businesses to experience all the benefits that EVs offer through our wide electric van range. To ensure fleet operators are comfortable moving to electric, councils need to work with charge point operators to install charge points on residential roads that need it most."
Last year, Vauxhall launched its Electric Streets of Britain campaign to support the transition to electric vehicles for UK businesses and drivers.
The initiative works with councils and charge point operators including char.gy, Connected Kerb and SureCharge to accelerate on-street charging infrastructure.
Vauxhall also partnered with sustainable transport organisation CENEX to highlight the need for targeted charge point installation. Research conducted with CENEX showed only 19 per cent of households who need it are close to a public charge point.
The number of public charge points across the UK increased by 38 per cent in 2024, bringing the total to over 73,000. This growth has been supported by the continued roll out of the Government's Local EV Infrastructure Fund.
However, the distribution remains heavily skewed, with 72 per cent of the UK's on-street chargers located in Greater London.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Labour could end controversial traffic scheme for first time in nearly 20 years amid huge safety concerns
- British drivers slapped with expensive parking fines every two seconds as companies rake in millions
- Pensioner, 93, with dementia hit with criminal conviction from DVLA case for not having car insurance
Vauxhall has called on the Government to roll out more on-street charging points
VAUXHALL
A nationwide strategy would ensure businesses and drivers across all regions have access to charging infrastructure.In late 2024, Vauxhall launched its latest electric van range with significant price reductions.The entry-level Combo Electric, which is manufactured in the UK, is available from £27,100.
