Motorway services and large fuel retailers could be made to provide electric charge and hydrogen refuelling stations.

Under the proposals, motorway services and large fuel retailers could be made to provide electric charge points and hydrogen refuelling stations.

The measures could also make sure data about the location and availability of charging stations is openly available, and make it easier to use the different networks which are available. They follow a public consultation on measures to improve charging infrastructure.

John Hayes, Minister of State for Transport, said: “I recognise that to encourage more drivers to go electric, the infrastructure needs to become even more widespread than the 11,000 charging points already in place and more straightforward. We are determined to do all we can to make electric vehicles work for everyone and these new laws will help make this a reality.”

However, the Institute of the Motor Industry – the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry – said that more charging points isn’t the only thing needed to encourage greater adoption of electric and hybrid cars.

IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “The Government has recognised the most obvious barrier to consumers buying electric cars, which is the charging infrastructure, and it is taking direct steps to address this.  However, it needs to recognise that this is the biggest change in the automotive industry for over 100 years and there are other barriers that must be addressed too, not least the skills gap.”

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