There was a time when the number of chargers for electric vehicles across the UK was troublingly low, except for a few areas like central London. But the situation is changing rapidly as areas that used to have poor provision have been catching up rapidly.
New data from the Department for Transport has revealed that the number of electric vehicle charge points increased by 23 per cent in the 12 months to the end of October this year.
This means 15,979 new public chargers have been added over the year, the equivalent of one every 33 minutes, raising the total number serving the UK to 86,000.
With so many chargers being installed, it might seem like there are plenty enough electricians out there to do the job, but the government plans for the number to increase further, with £381 million of funding pledged to add another 100,000.
The End Of Range Anxiety
Moreover, the increase in chargers is helping to encourage more motorists to buy electric vehicles, with sales up 29 per cent in September. One reason this should be so is that as more chargers are installed, range anxiety – the fear of running out of battery without any chargers nearby – is rapidly diminishing.
This can be evidenced by the fact that the greatest increases have come in areas where the need is greatest. This is particularly true in rural parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales.
This creates a virtuous circle as more installation increases EV sales, which in turn means more demand for chargers. This is why taking electrician courses to become an installer offers such an exciting prospect for a successful career. In time, such skills will also be invaluable in maintaining established chargers.
Another factor in the increased take-up of electric vehicles is the introduction of government discounts that cut the cost of each car by £3,750, increasing charger demand further.
Innovative Solutions And Government Support
Installation skills will not just be increasingly needed for public chargers. Until now, there has been an imbalance between those who own their own homes and can install chargers on their driveways and those who, either because they rent or do not have a driveway (or both), have to rely on the local public chargers instead.
In part, tax rules have made it cheaper for those with home installations, but there are many potential new solutions that are now receiving government support.
Decarbonisation minister Keir Mather said: ”We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.”
This will include making it easier to install pavement charging without planning permission and curbs on landlords imposing excessive levies on renters charging at home.
New technology is also playing a role. Announcing a £10 million package for this purpose, the government is helping to develop charging devices that can operate without a large grid connection or even off-grid entirely, using sources like solar power or wind.
With so many new measures, innovative technology and momentum behind the growth of chargers and EV use, this is a very good time to qualify to install them.