The Geospatial Commission, part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has published a new report to help support local authorities with decisions on where to install EV charge points in their area.

The Geospatial Commission says the location of charge points is as important as absolute numbers

According to the commission – and many EV experts – the “location of charge points is as important as absolute numbers” to ensure that charge points are where drivers need them and easily accessible.

The transition to EVs will be enabled by a dependable public charging network and local authorities are ideally placed to identify their local charging needs and play a fundamental role in facilitating private sector investment and ensuring all communities have access to reliable public charging infrastructure, especially on-street charging points.

But local authorities must make informed decisions about how many, which types and where charge points will be installed, based on demand and site suitability. And this is where location data and applications can give valuable insight.

Its new report explores the breadth of location data and applications available to support local authority decisions about where to install new charge points and identifies five opportunities to better use existing location data, as well as new sources of information to understand the location and availability of existing charge points; understand consumer charging behaviour and travel patterns; identify the location of EVs by using commercially held data about leased vehicles; identify existing electricity network capacity, and identify areas without off-street parking.

Viscount Camrose, Minister, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “The transition to electric vehicles is central to the Government’s plan to decarbonise the transport sector, keep the UK at the forefront of clean transport and tackle pollution, all while seizing the potential for growth and job creation in the UK’s growing EV industry.

“Local authorities and the wider sector should continue to embrace new location data and analysis to accelerate the targeted rollout of charge points so that drivers can find and access reliable charge points wherever they live.”

The Geospatial Commission has been leading a multi-year programme highlighting the opportunities for advanced geospatial applications in the transport sector. The programme has identified how location data can support the future of mobility and next-generation transport networks and called out ways to maximise its impact.

Its work includes the 2021 publication of the ‘Getting to the Point’ policy paper, which explored the role of location data to help model future demand for charge points, identify suitable sites, create a seamless consumer experience and track rollout.

Martin Tugwell, chief executive, Transport for the North, said: “High-quality location data plays a critical role in enabling better decision making on how society can make a rapid transition to achieving a low carbon economy.

“Location data and analysis is a vital component of our work at Transport for the North to underpin activities outlined in our regional Strategic Transport Plan, such as supporting our local authorities EV charging planning and delivery, and facilitating private sector investment to drive EV charge point rollout.”

The BVRLA is also running a campaign to support more local authorities in developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategies.

Latest research by charge point operator (CPO) Believ has found that more than nine out of 10 (91%) local authorities do not yet have an EV charging infrastructure strategy in place – with time and money proving the main obstacles.

Now, the BVRLA has developed a pool of resources and guidance to support local authorities and is also encouraging them to sign its ‘Fleet Friendly EV Charging Pledge’ to demonstrate their long-term commitment to cleaner transport.

It’s also hosting a masterclass session exploring how fleets can work with authorities to deliver effective infrastructure. Taking place at the association’s upcoming Fleets in Charge Conference in September, the session will explore subjects including how fleets can work with local authorities to ensure charging is in the right place at the right time for the right user.