Current signage for public EV charge points needs a boost to make the public network more prominent, AA member research has found.

Proposed EV charge point sign from the AA

More than half (56%) of the 8,268 prospective EV drivers surveyed said steps such as a clearer, universal sign should be used to help chargers stand out.

This was alongside totem pole pricing boards used at fuel forecourts (cited by 51%), as well as subtle tactics such as including charge points on built-in sat-navs for petrol and diesel cars (52%).

And more than three-quarters (77%) said using a green ‘P’ on charge point signs would have maximum impact when indicating the location of chargers, compared to the current sign which use the traditional blue ‘P’ parking sign.

Drivers want extra 80,000 public chargers by 2030 to enable switch

The AA also investigated how many public chargers would be needed to help convince drivers to make the switch from combustion to electric.

The Government is on track to reach its target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, but respondents said that a figure around 380,000 by the same deadline would give them the confidence to change to an electric vehicle.

While the total number of chargers is only one aspect of hesitation from drivers, members have also expressed concerns about the speed of charging alongside accessibility and concerns about their personal safety.

The AA is calling on charge point operators and the Government to discuss and tackle these issues more, to help give those considering an EV more confidence to switch.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “While it’s great to see charging infrastructure installed across the country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight.

“Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a green ‘P’ will help sign the way, highlight the network and give more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it seems a sensible upgrade to make.

“A visible public charging network is just one aspect that drivers are looking at when considering if the time is right for them to go electric. Charger reliability, speed of charging, cost, accessibility and personal safety are all being weighed up by consumers before making the leap.

“The more government and charge point operators can do to help address these issues, the more EVs we may see on the road.”