RAC reaction to Policy Exchange report on electric car charging

Commenting on a report out today by Policy Exchange that calls for a rapid expansion in electric vehicle charge points, RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“In time, many drivers will benefit from a full charge before they even leave the house thanks to home charging. But this is only part of the solution as those without off-street parking may struggle to charge from home for some considerable time so it is vital we have a network of ubiquitous, reliable and easy-to-use public charge points. Having a sufficient number of charge points will also become especially important in those rural areas of the UK that see large annual influxes of visitors by car in the summer months.

“Without a big increase in the number of charge points right across the UK, certain parts of the country risk getting left behind as 2030 approaches. Everyone remembers what happened when broadband started to be rolled out and some areas were left with poor connections. It would be a major policy failure if something similar happened in the next few years with communities missing out on good charging provision.

“The UK’s charging infrastructure also needs simplifying to avoid drivers having to try to understand a plethora of different apps and charging systems. Something more akin to the simple process of filling up by petrol and diesel would be very welcome. At least drivers can be comforted by the fact all new rapid and ultra-rapid charge points installed have to allow payment by contactless bank card.”

The RAC offers a range of services to assist drivers of electric cars, including its market-first EV Boost emergency mobile charging technology.