The UK Car Industry Called For An Electric Car Charge Watchdog

1987

The number of electric cars is increasing. Though the growth is higher over the decade between 2011 and 2021 in the UK, it grows faster in the last two years. As a result, the number of charge points also increases. According to industry figures, the charge points of the electric car jumped from 1,500 to more than 48,000. So, the authority has decided to call for a watchdog to oversee electric car charging prices. It will also observe the availability of electric car charge points.

Credit: wired

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) mentioned that the sales of electric vehicles are more than the charging points. The government has already invested £1.3bn to expand the electric car charging network. The SMMT suggested introducing a regulator who can monitor charging points.

Credit: pocket-lint

The SMMT recommended setting up a new regulator called “Ofcharge”. This is the office of electric vehicle charging that can monitor the market. The SMMT discussed the public charging points and said, “remain critical to consumer confidence and are still relied upon by many commercial fleets, as well as the third of British households that do not have designated off-street parking.”

Electric vehicles become popular among environmentalists who want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Because transport sector was becoming the largest emitting sector in the UK. But the electric cars showed the way to build an eco-friendly world and young generations are showing interest in these vehicles. Consequently, the electric car sale soars gradually.

Credit: caranddriver

In 2020, the number of electric cars increased by 114%. The industry also experienced a sharp increase in interest in second-hand electric cars. In this situation, the electric car charging prices must be fair. A Department for Transport spokesperson said, “to support the continued roll-out of charge points at homes, businesses and on residential streets across the UK, leveling up our charge point provision while supporting the deployment of rapid charge points on motorways and major A roads in England”.

The spokesperson also added, “We continue to work with local authorities to ensure they are engaged in the transition and are encouraging them to make use of the on-street residential charge point scheme which last year committed £20m for the rollout of public charge points in residential areas.”