Government involvement in developing EV infrastructure 'is essential'

Date: 21/7/2011

The government needs to continue with its UK-wide proposals to develop an effective charging infrastructure to be used by owners of electric vehicles (EVs).

Such is the opinion of Nikki Rooke, Head of Communications at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), who says that the continuing involvement of the coalition in stimulating take-up of these motors will help demonstrate to investors from overseas that the country is a low-carbon economy.

She adds that the Plug-In Grant - which provides buyers with a 25 per cent contribution towards the cost of a qualifying ultra-low emission vehicle - has helped to incentivise motorists.

Similarly, the automobile sector has made "great progress" in delivering these cars and further technical advancement is likely to be seen in the years ahead, she notes.

"Ultimately, there has to be a co-ordinated approach across all stakeholder representatives and there will need to be more charging points installed across the UK, but it's important to note that a lot of charging will take place at home," Ms Rooke explains.

According to an EcoVelocity study based on SMMT data that lists the greenest postcodes in the UK, London currently dominates in terms of environmental car registrations.

Posted by Nick Anderson