Aftermarket April 2022

T he UK appears to be pushing hard for full electrification of the car parc, but are all the pieces in place? While the government has made 2030 the cut-off for the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, there has not yet been a major push on the necessary infrastructure for an all-EV future, and this may hold back drivers from making the switch. At the same time, garages continue to look to get skilled up and kitted out, but without commensurate and real commitment on the charging hardware roll-out, will it all fall apart? Overhaul A report from Which?, ‘Building an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure that is Fit for the Future’ recently called for a major increase in the number of charging stations in residential areas and at service stations, as well as suggesting that charge points currently restricted to certain brands be made available to all EVs. While the research showed that 93% of EV and PHEV owners are currently able to charge at home, it also showed that only 13% of drivers are using public charging facilities. Which? also cited the fact that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that 8 million households will not be able to charge an EV at home due to limited access to off-street parking, and will have to use public charging at a higher price as a result. According to the most recent Which? annual car survey, just 15% of EV charging and 5% of PHEV charging currently takes place at public charge points. When asked what was stopping them buying an electric vehicle, 33% of consumers cited the lack of charge points available on major routes for journeys, with 29% saying it was a lack of charge points near home. Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Protection Policy, commernted: “Our research shows that few electric vehicle owners currently rely on the public charging network, but this will have to change if millions of people are going to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles in the next decade. Improving the UK’s flawed charging infrastructure will support more motorists to make the switch to a zero- emission vehicle. The current confusing and complex system needs to be quickly overhauled if the network is going to be ready for the ban on new fossil fuel cars in 2030.” Sue added: “Charging must be easy, accessible and affordable if people are going to make the move to an electric car.” To view the full report, go to: www.which.co.uk/policy/sustainability/8670/electricvehic lecharging Growth While the existing infrastructure could not adequately cater for the kind of growth a full-shift away from ICE vehicles 8 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net EV INFRASTRUCTURE: CHICKEN OR EGG? While the EV revolution appears to be racing ahead, will a lack of real- world planning cause the wheels to fall off?