‘Charge-point anxiety’ hits the switch to electric cars

Demand for electric cars is being held back by “charging point anxiety” as motorists worry about the cost and convenience of driving green, industry experts say.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said it expects plug-in battery electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 18.4 percent of new sales this year and 22.6 percent next year, down from previous forecasts of 19.7 percent and 23.3 percent. per cent.

The update will fuel fears that the government’s plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel models by 2030 are unworkable.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “The new car market is becoming increasingly bullish as easing pressure on the supply chain provides a much-needed boost.

Broader economic conditions and concerns about charging points are beginning to cast a shadow over the market’s eagerness to implement zero-emission mobility at the scale and pace needed.

“To ensure that all drivers can benefit from electric cars, we need everyone – government, local authorities, energy companies and charging providers – to accelerate investments in the transition and strengthen consumer confidence to make the switch.”

Charging options on highways and A-roads are limited and a charging point at home is not always an option.

At the beginning of April, there were 40,150 public charging points in the UK. But they are not evenly distributed and only 7,647 are fast devices.

Westminster has 2,196 – more than the 1,593 available in Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and Birmingham combined.

Campaigners say only a few are in “en-route” locations, such as motorway service stations, making travel planning particularly difficult.

“The main focus should be to make sure we have the right fast charger in the right location and that we avoid black spots,” said Jack Cousens, head of road policy at the AA.