In light of recent planning reforms, which include accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Naomi Nye, head of sales at Drax Electric Vehicles, emphasises it’s a step in the right direction. Still, there’s more work to be done to boost consumer and business confidence.

Naomi Nye, head of sales at Drax

The UK’s latest planning reforms, which were introduced to Parliament this week, mark an important step in supporting EV adoption. By removing the need for local council approvals, it should enable faster deployment of public charging infrastructure. UK drivers and fleets must feel confident in the supporting charging networks to continue building momentum and growth in the EV market – key to achieving the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets.

Confidence in charging access remains a challenge for households and businesses alike. However, the dedication of private and public installations in the run-up to 2030 should help ease driver anxiety.

Fleet operators, particularly businesses with vans and HGVs, are key players in the future of electric mobility, and they require significant support at these public sites imminently. The increased power requirements and longer charging durations of both vans and HGVs are notable challenges compared to passenger cars. Despite charging infrastructure steadily growing, many fleets require better public availability for their drivers and increased power supply. Private companies are working hard to improve this landscape. What’s needed is not just an expansion of charging points but targeted investments in high-speed charging stations along key logistics routes and fleet depots.

Workplace and destination charging solutions also need to be scaled up to support consumers and businesses in their daily, long-haul and one-off journeys.

Alongside this, a smooth, seamless charging experience is equally important for EV drivers. A recent YouGov study reported that 42% of respondents named “hassle of charging” a barrier to EV adoption, whether dealing with multiple apps or navigating confusing payment systems. The Public Charge Point Regulations have made a good start to this, but there are plenty more opportunities to ease drivers’ concerns, such as app-less payments, which help to minimise charging confusion.

Finally, education is equally important. Drivers need to be regularly reminded of relevant advancements in EV charging technology and access to charge points. Owning an EV is more convenient than ever, and the public needs sustained reassurance that this will continue improving.

This responsibility should not only sit with the Government; businesses, CPOs, EV manufacturers, and those involved in the EV market should all contribute in small or big ways. Clear signage and information at charge points, positive case studies and recommendations, and understanding the long-term cost savings compared to petrol and diesel vehicles are just a few ways to help boost public confidence.

The UK’s transition to electric mobility is well underway, with one in four new cars registered last month being an EV. These planning reforms are also a positive step in the right direction, but we also need ongoing support for private and destination charging to drive forward confidence. Improved charging access, reliability and education will help more businesses and households choose electric vehicles.

At Drax Electric Vehicles, we’re helping organisations be at the forefront of the UK’s shift to electric to help build driver confidence and accessibility within fleets, at work and destinations. Ultimately, EVs can be costly investments for consumers and businesses. However, they will be highly rewarding as we transition to a cleaner transport world in the coming years.