Boosting residential EV charging with Vauxhall's new initiative

author: FutureCar Staff    

Vauxhall has launched an initiative called the 'Electric Streets of Britain' program to address the lack of residential on-street EV charging infrastructure. This comes after a freedom of information request made by Vauxhall revealed that 70% of local authorities in the UK do not have a strategy in place for on-street EV charging.

With 40% of homes in the UK lacking a driveway or garage, many people face a significant barrier to adopting electric vehicles. The FOI request also found that 69% of councils have yet to install any on-street chargers, and 45% have no plans to install them this year.

In response, Vauxhall aims to ensure that homes without driveways are not left behind in the transition to zero-emission motoring. They have created a national database at www.electricstreets.co.uk where the public can register their need for on-street charging. This will help councils understand the demand for charging infrastructure.

Vauxhall is working with charging operators char.gy, Connected Kerb, and SureCharge to address on-street charging issues. They have set up an 'Enablement Fund' to help councils understand the solutions available and prepare for the government's ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars in 2030.

The importance of on-street charging is highlighted by the fact that 80% of all EV charging is done at home. In urban areas, where 60% of homes lack off-street parking, on-street charging becomes even more crucial. Vauxhall suggests solutions such as lamp post chargers and pavement-mounted bollards, which can be quickly installed.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, emphasizes the need for accessible charge points near homes to facilitate the transition to electric vehicle ownership. Vauxhall aims to collaborate with the public, councils, and charging operators to educate decision-makers and accelerate the installation of more chargers.

In addition to private motorists, on-street charging will benefit businesses with electric vans. Approximately four in 10 company-owned electric vans are charged at home by employees. Therefore, the widespread availability of charge points will support businesses in going electric by enabling van drivers to conveniently charge both at home and at residential job locations.

FutureCar Staff