Businesses are charging ahead to install onsite EV charge points to decarbonise their commercial fleets and help the wider public go electric, but are battling complex regulations, an inaccessible national grid and unhelpful planning laws.

Accessing the power grid frustrates 70% of businesses

New research by charge point operator Believ finds almost all (88%) businesses are already installing EV charging infrastructure. Many (57%) plan to double charging capacity by 2028, driven by a desire to electrify company vehicles, reduce CO2 emissions and fulfil their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

But 70% say projects are delayed by the slow pace, high cost and complexity of working with electricity companies to upgrade the local power supply, and 11% find it a significant barrier.

Similarly, 70% of businesses say navigating inconsistent planning laws across the country is complex and confusing. Over a quarter (27%) struggle to get sufficient support from local councils to overcome these issues, and nearly three-quarters (74%) of businesses say they need specialist help.

Accelerating the installation of their onsite charge points would help the 58% of businesses that say they are partly reliant on public charging infrastructure and the 14% saying they are totally reliant.

Some respondents say sales and delivery vehicles now spend more time charging or travelling to charge points than being used productively and almost one-fifth (17%) were concerned about missing deliveries or meeting deadlines. The additional fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear and planning to optimise travel routes are also increasing operational costs.

Believ’s CEO, Guy Bartlett, said greater collaboration between the public and private sectors was needed.

“Businesses are being thwarted by factors where greater collaboration with CPOs would help accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure.

“The best CPOs have the knowledge and expertise many businesses seek about installing charge points and navigating the complexities of planning laws across the country. National and local governments can also help solve many issues that businesses face, such as easing access to the national grid and better targeted funding for national public charging infrastructure to areas that are not commercially viable.

“The national government’s promises, such as the £70m investment at COP28, however, and the national rapid charging network are yet to be delivered and are needed urgently. It is vital for British businesses, the UK economy and the country’s global competitiveness. We must act now to facilitate sustainable transport and deliver cleaner air for all.”

Please click here to download a copy of the research.