Mar 13, 2025
Members of Parliament state that the rollout of electric vehicles is progressing slowly, causing division, and primarily benefiting the wealthy.
The UK is progressing too slowly in the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, resulting in uneven availability, regional disparities, and accessibility issues, as reported by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The committee cautions that delays in setting up charging points, especially at motorway service stations, could negatively impact public trust in adopting EVs.
While the government aims to meet its goal of 300,000 public charge points by 2030, the installation has been primarily focused in London and the South-East, leaving rural and less advantaged regions underserved.
Although £950m was announced in 2020 to enhance electricity capacity along major roads, the Department for Transport (DfT) has yet to distribute any of these funds nearly five years later.
The PAC urges immediate action to rectify these shortcomings and expedite the development of infrastructure supporting the transition to EVs.
Charging at motorways remains insufficient
Motorway service stations are intended to be the foundation of the EV charging network, ensuring that drivers can recharge during long trips. However, one-third of the 114 motorway service areas lack the six ultra-rapid charge points promised by the government to be operational by the end of 2023.
The PAC warns that without prompt solutions, the network gaps will continue. Although the number of ultra-rapid charging points near motorways has grown, inadequate infrastructure at key service areas could discourage potential EV buyers. The committee has asked the government to provide an explanation within six months about how it will close these gaps and accelerate the deployment of ultra-rapid chargers.
Charge point rollout suffers from regional inequality
The report highlights a significant divide in the distribution of public charge points. London and the South-East have claimed 43% of all charge points, while rural areas are largely overlooked.
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) program was established to assist local authorities in installing charge points where most needed. However, as of October 2024, only 10 of the 78 projects have been approved for implementation, despite a deadline of March 2025. The PAC warns that as many councils start procurement simultaneously, the market may struggle to keep pace, heightening the likelihood of delays or unsuccessful projects.
The committee calls for the government to provide an update on LEVI within six months, clarifying how much funding has been allocated, how many projects have completed procurement, and what actions are in place to ensure councils can secure competitive agreements.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, stated:
"This rollout is not currently taking place equally across the nation. Meeting numerical targets for charging points is commendable. However, it is unacceptable to provide thousands of points that allow Londoners to navigate easily while neglecting the rest of the UK’s network. Drivers must feel confident they can use an EV without risking being stranded, or they will hesitate to make the switch."
Concerns regarding accessibility and affordability
The committee also emphasizes that disabled drivers, those without off-street parking, and disadvantaged communities are being overlooked in the EV transition.
Despite the government's collaboration in developing a standard for accessible charge points, none in the UK currently meet full compliance.
The PAC warns that neglecting accessibility issues will lead to an EV network that is permanently unsuitable for many disabled drivers.
It has called for an immediate review of accessibility standards and an action plan to ensure new charge points adhere to these requirements.
The report also highlights unfair pricing for those lacking home chargers.
Public charge points are subject to a VAT rate of 20%, while domestic electricity is taxed at just 5%.
The PAC urges the government to communicate how it will monitor these cost disparities and consider adjustments to VAT rates to ensure fairness for all EV users.
There is significant concern that the needs of disabled drivers are being neglected, with not a single charge point currently fully accessible. This could result in a serious injustice within a vital part of our national infrastructure.
"Our report thus challenges the Government – it must act swiftly to overcome current delays and foster uptake, while also ensuring that no one is excluded in this crucial shift toward the future," stated Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, PAC Chair.
Delays in planning and grid connections
Another significant obstacle to the quicker installation of charge points is the bureaucratic challenges associated with planning and grid connections.
The government has recognized that obtaining grid connections is a lengthy and cumbersome process, yet there has been little action to remedy this.
The PAC has called on ministers to collaborate with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure major road projects account for charging infrastructure.
It also suggests simplifying traffic regulations for dedicated EV charging spaces to eliminate unnecessary planning delays.
EV transition at risk if government does not take action
The committee cautions that the sluggish pace of charge point rollout could jeopardize the UK's ambitions for net zero transport.
While the prohibition on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales is set to commence in 2035, the necessary supporting infrastructure is lagging behind.
The PAC asserts that the government must develop a long-term vision for an effective public charging network that serves all drivers, not only early EV adopters.
The committee demands that the government outline a comprehensive plan detailing:
How it will fill the gaps in the motorway charging network.
A strategy for addressing regional disparities in charge point accessibility.
Actions to enhance charge point accessibility for disabled drivers.
Solutions to the high costs of public charging, including VAT inequalities.
Measures to simplify planning procedures and speed up grid connections.
Failure to act, the PAC warns, could result in a two-tier EV charging system where only certain areas and populations benefit from the shift to electric transportation.
The committee's message is unmistakable: the government must expedite the EV rollout now to preserve public confidence in transitioning to cleaner transport.
The committee cautions that delays in setting up charging points, especially at motorway service stations, could negatively impact public trust in adopting EVs.
While the government aims to meet its goal of 300,000 public charge points by 2030, the installation has been primarily focused in London and the South-East, leaving rural and less advantaged regions underserved.
Although £950m was announced in 2020 to enhance electricity capacity along major roads, the Department for Transport (DfT) has yet to distribute any of these funds nearly five years later.
The PAC urges immediate action to rectify these shortcomings and expedite the development of infrastructure supporting the transition to EVs.
Charging at motorways remains insufficient
Motorway service stations are intended to be the foundation of the EV charging network, ensuring that drivers can recharge during long trips. However, one-third of the 114 motorway service areas lack the six ultra-rapid charge points promised by the government to be operational by the end of 2023.
The PAC warns that without prompt solutions, the network gaps will continue. Although the number of ultra-rapid charging points near motorways has grown, inadequate infrastructure at key service areas could discourage potential EV buyers. The committee has asked the government to provide an explanation within six months about how it will close these gaps and accelerate the deployment of ultra-rapid chargers.
Charge point rollout suffers from regional inequality
The report highlights a significant divide in the distribution of public charge points. London and the South-East have claimed 43% of all charge points, while rural areas are largely overlooked.
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) program was established to assist local authorities in installing charge points where most needed. However, as of October 2024, only 10 of the 78 projects have been approved for implementation, despite a deadline of March 2025. The PAC warns that as many councils start procurement simultaneously, the market may struggle to keep pace, heightening the likelihood of delays or unsuccessful projects.
The committee calls for the government to provide an update on LEVI within six months, clarifying how much funding has been allocated, how many projects have completed procurement, and what actions are in place to ensure councils can secure competitive agreements.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, stated:
"This rollout is not currently taking place equally across the nation. Meeting numerical targets for charging points is commendable. However, it is unacceptable to provide thousands of points that allow Londoners to navigate easily while neglecting the rest of the UK’s network. Drivers must feel confident they can use an EV without risking being stranded, or they will hesitate to make the switch."
Concerns regarding accessibility and affordability
The committee also emphasizes that disabled drivers, those without off-street parking, and disadvantaged communities are being overlooked in the EV transition.
Despite the government's collaboration in developing a standard for accessible charge points, none in the UK currently meet full compliance.
The PAC warns that neglecting accessibility issues will lead to an EV network that is permanently unsuitable for many disabled drivers.
It has called for an immediate review of accessibility standards and an action plan to ensure new charge points adhere to these requirements.
The report also highlights unfair pricing for those lacking home chargers.
Public charge points are subject to a VAT rate of 20%, while domestic electricity is taxed at just 5%.
The PAC urges the government to communicate how it will monitor these cost disparities and consider adjustments to VAT rates to ensure fairness for all EV users.
There is significant concern that the needs of disabled drivers are being neglected, with not a single charge point currently fully accessible. This could result in a serious injustice within a vital part of our national infrastructure.
"Our report thus challenges the Government – it must act swiftly to overcome current delays and foster uptake, while also ensuring that no one is excluded in this crucial shift toward the future," stated Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, PAC Chair.
Delays in planning and grid connections
Another significant obstacle to the quicker installation of charge points is the bureaucratic challenges associated with planning and grid connections.
The government has recognized that obtaining grid connections is a lengthy and cumbersome process, yet there has been little action to remedy this.
The PAC has called on ministers to collaborate with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure major road projects account for charging infrastructure.
It also suggests simplifying traffic regulations for dedicated EV charging spaces to eliminate unnecessary planning delays.
EV transition at risk if government does not take action
The committee cautions that the sluggish pace of charge point rollout could jeopardize the UK's ambitions for net zero transport.
While the prohibition on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales is set to commence in 2035, the necessary supporting infrastructure is lagging behind.
The PAC asserts that the government must develop a long-term vision for an effective public charging network that serves all drivers, not only early EV adopters.
The committee demands that the government outline a comprehensive plan detailing:
How it will fill the gaps in the motorway charging network.
A strategy for addressing regional disparities in charge point accessibility.
Actions to enhance charge point accessibility for disabled drivers.
Solutions to the high costs of public charging, including VAT inequalities.
Measures to simplify planning procedures and speed up grid connections.
Failure to act, the PAC warns, could result in a two-tier EV charging system where only certain areas and populations benefit from the shift to electric transportation.
The committee's message is unmistakable: the government must expedite the EV rollout now to preserve public confidence in transitioning to cleaner transport.