Two-thirds of EV drivers face long waits at charge points
Two-thirds of UK electric vehicle (EV) drivers have had to wait more than 10 minutes at a public charging station for an available device, according to a new survey.
The poll of 1,000 EV drivers, commissioned by Direct Line Motor Insurance, highlights what the company described as “significant challenges with public charging infrastructure”.
Among respondents who reported delays, the average wait to start charging was 22 minutes, with some citing times of up to two hours.
Some 74% said they had seen public charging spots blocked by cars not plugged in, while 64% had found devices not working.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “A majority of Electric vehicle drivers having to wait to charge their vehicle highlights a need for more public charging stations. We know EVs perform well in Which?’s tests and are popular with drivers but our research found that the lack of public charge points is a major setback, with more than half (52%) of non EV drivers telling us this was putting them off considering buying an EV.
“To support the 2030 target for a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the government and charge point operators must work together to ensure drivers have confidence they can recharge their EV when they need to and this includes holidays and road trips to attractions like theme parks and other places of interest. Until charging is easy and reliable, fewer people will want to make the move to an electric car.”
The survey also found four out of five respondents said when planning UK leisure trips they look for destinations they can reach without needing to recharge en route.
Matt Pernet, head of Direct Line Motor Insurance, said: “Reliable and accessible charging is crucial for confidence and convenience among EV drivers.
“These findings highlight the impact of public charging infrastructure on electric vehicle owners.
“The summer holidays are well under way and these statistics show how many people would have planned their route based on the need to charge their vehicle.
“For EV drivers, being prepared is crucial: plan your route, find where the charging facilities are and consider where they may be busiest.
“Avoiding certain times of day could also be a consideration.”
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