Charging sites for electric vehicles now outnumber petrol stations for the first time, the latest figures have revealed. New industry data has revealed the extent of the UK’s electric vehicle network, with the number of public charging locations now surpassing petrol stations for the first time. Charging points can now be found across the length and breadth of the country, from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall and from the Giant’s Causeway to the White Cliffs of Dover. Data from electric vehicle charging specialists Zap-Map shows that as of this week there are 8,546 charging locations across the UK, hosting a total of 13,688 charging devices. In contrast, there are currently only 8,400 petrol stations – a figure that is continuing to decline. Scotland is the UK region with the greatest number of charging points, followed by London and the south-east.
Scotsman 29th May 2019 read more »
The UK has a shortage of charging points for electric cars, new figures show, as a charity warns that drivers are taking risks to charge their vehicles. The number of electric cars on Britain’s roads have grown six times faster over the last five years than that of public charging points, according to research carried out by consumer protection charity Electrical Safety First. The poor infrastructure has resulted in 75 per cent of electric vehicle owners admitting that they use domestic multi-socket extension leads to charge their cars from the mains in their home. Over half confessed to using the extension lead when it’s raining, the research found. A survey by the charity of 1,500 electric vehicle owners, including all electric and hybrids, also found that 75 per cent of those who charge using a domestic extension lead have created a “daisy-chain” to reach their vehicle, despite the heightened risk of electric shock and fire. The figures show that the rate of licensed plug-in vehicles is “drastically out-pacing” the number of charging points, the charity said.
Telegraph 29th May 2019 read more »
Guardian 30th May 2019 read more »
