At least 280,000 public charge points for electric vehicles (EVs) will be needed by 2030, according to Britain’s competition regulator – more than ten times the current number of around 25,000. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says that a charging network that is perceived as inadequate will prove a major barrier to EV take-up ahead of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

The CMA describes access to charge points as a ‘postcode lottery,’ citing as an example the fact that the number of public charge points per head in Yorkshire and the Humber is a quarter of that in London.

While some elements of EV charging infrastructure are said to be developing relatively well – such as charging at shopping centres, workplaces and people’s homes (garages and driveways) – the choice and availability of charge points at motorway service stations is highlighted as being a particular problem, as is the roll-out of on-street charging by Local Authorities.

Regarding the former, the CMA said it was specifically looking into 10 to 15 year arrangements between Electric Highway and MOTO, Roadchef and Extra.

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The CMA highlights charger reliability and difficulties comparing prices as other issues that need to be tackled and also suggests that rural areas risk being left behind due to a lack of investment.

“Electric vehicles play a critical role in meeting Net Zero but the challenges with creating an entirely new charging network should not be underestimated,” commented chief executive Andrea Coscelli.

“Some areas of the roll-out are going well and the UK’s network is growing – but it’s clear that other parts, like charging at motorway service stations and on-street, have much bigger hurdles to overcome.”

Among other things, the CMA is recommending that the Government add conditions to its £950m Rapid Charging Fund to ensure drivers have a choice of charging provider at service stations and that it also provide support so local authorities can increase the roll-out of on-street charging.

Another recommendation is that a public body be tasked with monitoring the sector to ensure charging becomes as simple as filling up at a petrol station.

“Our recommendations will promote strong competition, encourage more investment, and build people’s trust, both now and in the future,” said Coscelli.

“The CMA has also opened a competition law investigation into EV charging along motorways and will continue to work with government and the industry to help ensure electric vehicle charging is a success.”