Two in five councils fail to engage with fleets over EV infrastructure

Posted 30th March 2023

Despite the Government’s ambition to see at least half of new cars to be ultra-low emission by 2030, it appears that local authorities are off the pace. According to research from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing association (BVRLA), two out of five local authorities in the UK have not yet engaged with the fleet sector when considering electric vehicle charging needs.

These results form part of the association’s new Fleet Friendly Charging Index, which also indicates that nearly two thirds (63%) of authorities are yet to publish an electric vehicle (EV) strategy.

The BVRLA Fleet Friendly Charging Index addresses the size of the challenge for fleets, who it says regularly battle with an unreliable, inaccessible or absent public charging infrastructure. Alongside this, they launched the updated Fleet Charging Guide at a House of Commons Reception on 15th March.

Both documents reveal the extent and range of charging challenges that fleets are facing and identifies some ways in which local and national government, airports and electricity network operators (DNOs) can make improvements.

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “The fleet sector is pulling the nation forward on its drive to decarbonise, but charging infrastructure is failing to keep up. Local authorities have the power to make a real difference and we want to help them help fleets.

“Armed with our Fleet Charging Guide, we are supercharging our engagement on this topic. Conversations are taking place with decision makers the length and breadth of the country.

“The index shows where the most collaboration is needed, and we are fully equipped to share the insights that will shape a fleet friendly network from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.”

At the House of Commons launch event, MPs across all parties met with the association and senior industry stakeholders. They heard about the barriers created by the present charging infrastructure and the essential role that fleets play in bringing electric vehicles to UK roads.

The MPs were then shown where their constituency ranks nationally and saw them commit to back the rollout of an effective EV infrastructure. The association recognises that the solution will only be driven by the participation of all its members in conjunction with fleet professionals.

If you want to see how your local authority is progressing – check out the Fleet Friendly Charging Index. It features an interactive map and contact details for your local decision-makers.