Local authorities are missing opportunities to shape fleet-friendly EV charging networks by not consulting with local businesses.

Thomas McLennan of the BVRLA and James Sunderland MP look at the Local Authority Index

Research by the BVRLA has discovered that 40% of local authorities in the UK are yet to engage with the fleet sector when considering electric vehicle charging needs.

The association’s newly published Fleet Friendly Charging Index also shows that nearly two-thirds (63%) of authorities are yet to publish an EV strategy.

Fleets regularly battle with unreliable, inaccessible or absent public charging infrastructure, according to the BVRLA’s Fleet Friendly Charging Index, which highlights the scale of the challenge.

It was launched alongside an updated Fleet Charging Guide at a Reception in the House of Commons this week, which spotlighted the vital role that fleets play in bringing electric vehicles to UK roads, as well as the “extreme barriers” presented by the current charging infrastructure.

The two new BVRLA documents work in tandem to provide some essential insights on the range of charging challenges that fleets are experiencing and highlight some ways in which local and national government, airports and electricity network operators (DNOs) can improve things.

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “The fleet sector is pulling the nation forward on its drive to decarbonise, but charging infrastructure is failing to keep up. Local authorities have the power to make a real difference and we want to help them help fleets.”

The launch event at the House of Commons also showed MPs how their constituency ranks at a national level and saw them pledge to support the rollout of a suitable EV infrastructure.

Keaney continued: “Armed with our Fleet Charging Guide, we are supercharging our engagement on this topic. Conversations are taking place with decision-makers the length and breadth of the country. The Index shows where the most collaboration is needed, and we are fully equipped to share the insights that will shape a fleet-friendly network from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.”

The association is calling on all members and fleet professionals to become part of the solution. Its Fleet Friendly Charging Index features an interactive map to show the progress of each authority, as well as contact details for the local decision-makers – and the BVRLA says every engagement with a local authority makes the sector’s voice louder and brings fleet needs up the agenda.

The BVRLA team can also be contacted at [email protected] to discuss any activity further or share additional resources to facilitate local conversations.

Local authorities in the dark on fleet charging needs

The BVRLA’s research on local authorities’ lack of EV charging strategies and fleet sector involvement comes just a fortnight after separate research found local authorities (LAs) in the South East are struggling to consult with communities on EV strategies, leaving them in the dark on charging needs.

Cornwall Insight and the Greater South East Net Zero Hub carried out a study on the readiness of LAs for the mass adoption of electric vehicles, conducted with 21 local authorities across the region.

The results showed that only 18% had consulted with local businesses on an EV charge point strategy, while only half had spoken to local residents.

The results suggest many LAs will face difficulties on understanding future demand for charging points in their respective areas, something which will be critical in the development of strategies and ensuring fair access to charging for all consumers.

In its long-awaited Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy published last year, the Government pledged to increase the UK’s charging network 10-fold to 300,000 public charge points by 2030, but made it clear it expects local authorities to support and deliver EV charge points. It’s considering taking pre-emptive powers to put a statutory obligation on them to develop strategies and oversee delivery. A consultation on this is expected in 2023.

To support local authorities, the DfT launched its Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot last year, which has now been expanded and joined by the LEVI Capability Fund to help local authorities scale up charging plans.

But Cornwall Insight’s research finds that engaging with local communities is often time- and resource-heavy for LAs and many face hurdles in their creation of EV plans.

Research by charge point operator Liberty Charge has also revealed separate concerns over a “lack of awareness” from local authorities on the timescales for EV charging infrastructure rollout – which it says could put charge point and Clean Air targets in jeopardy.