Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
Shift to electric vehicles necessitates a comprehensive public charging network for all drivers
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) about public charge points for electric vehicles.1 The government has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with all new cars and vans sold being zero–emission from 2035. This shift to electric cars requires a new network of public charge points. While most drivers have driveways or garages where they can install a charge point for their private use, those without access to off–street parking will need to rely on public charge points. Even where drivers typically charge at home, they may need public charge points to charge their car during long journeys.2
Government Response Summary
The government explained its existing methods for monitoring sub-regional charge point provision and how LEVI funding was allocated based on needs, including off-street parking and deprivation. It committed to using a similar needs-based approach for future interventions and observing LEVI fund outcomes.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. infrastructure which breaks down chargepoint provision by local authority. As part of these releases, statistics on the number of charging devices per 100,000 population are produced which shows the relative provision of local authorities, accounting for the number of residents. This data allows ongoing monitoring and assessment of sub-regional variability. Sub-regional need was a guiding principle when allocating Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding. Four variables were used to assess need and allocate funding to local authorities. The number of public charging devices per 100,000 was included in the allocation model to capture existing levels of charging infrastructure across the country. The estimated number of vehicles without off-street parking was included to reflect the increased need for public charging in areas with a heavier reliance on the public charging network. The relative level of deprivation across England and the level of rurality were also included in the funding allocation calculation. These variables were included as areas with more rural households and greater levels of deprivation are less likely to present a positive commercial case for private sector provision. The government will look to take a similar needs-based approach to any interventions required in future. The government will also pay close attention to outcomes from early LEVI Fund procurements and their impact on sub-regional variability and use these in the design of future interventions.