Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted in Part
Wider aspects like fire safety and charge point placement require further attention for EV transition
Conclusion
In addition to removing barriers to charge point rollout, enabling the transition to electric vehicles requires addressing wider aspects such as ensuring that charge point demand is considered when new major road schemes are created, and fire safety techniques are updated.38 In written correspondence provided after our evidence session the Department stated that, while electric vehicles have not been found to be more at risk of fire than internal combustion engines, it is a different kind of fire which requires different techniques to put out. The Department stated that it has been working with fire brigades to develop a handbook on what the best techniques are for particular kinds of electric vehicle fire, and that in July 2023 it had published guidance for fire safety for covered car parks.39 The National Fire Chiefs Council stated that aspects such as ensuring charge points do not block fire hydrants or impede access to buildings, and providing better information to the public about the warning signs of an electric vehicle fire must also be addressed.40 36 Qq 8, 102 37 Qq 100–102, C&AG’s Report Figure 9 38 Q 60 39 Qq 3–4; Letter from Department for Transport to PAC, 31 January 2025 40 EVS0006 15 2 Improving drivers’ experience of using public charge points Consumer experience
Government Response Summary
The government confirms OZEV works within the DfT's Road Transport Group to encourage chargepoint installation on major road schemes, addressing one aspect of the conclusion. However, the provided response does not detail actions on fire safety techniques or related public information.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendations. Recommendation implemented 6.2 The government’s vision is that all drivers can charge conveniently for both daily and long-distance driving and that there is a compelling, and visible, charging offer for prospective electric vehicle (EV) purchasers. 6.3 As set out in the report, the UK is on track to meeting a projected need of 300,000 public charging devices by 2030. The clarity on the transition to EVs has catalysed over £6 billion of private sector investment in UK charging infrastructure. The publication on 7 April 2025 of the response to the consultation on phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting the ZEV transition shows the government has worked with the industry to both strengthen its commitment to the phase out and introduce practical reforms to support industry to meet this ambition. 6.4 Going forward there is a key role for government to address challenges ahead by further: simplifying chargepoint installation, ensuring nationwide chargepoint distribution and strong rapid chargepoint coverage and maintaining an accessible public charging experience. 6.5 Traffic regulation orders (TRO) can enforce and designate EV only, on-street parking bays. The department is digitalising TROs and will require all authorities that use them to send digital copies to a central publication platform that the department is building. This will reduce the time it takes for authorities to make TROs. The digital publication service (D-TRO) has been built and is available for voluntary use and testing. The requirement should come into force later in 2025. 6.6 The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a joint unit between the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The department already works closely with DESNZ to ensure the improved rollout of chargepoints in all market areas. Within DfT, OZEV sits in the Road Transport Group, enabling OZEV to work closely with colleagues to encourage the installation of chargepoints on major road schemes.