Slow Roll-Out of Public Chargers Hinders Electric Vehicle Adoption, House of Lords Committee Finds

Obstacles Threaten Petrol and Diesel Car Sales Ban

A recent report from a House of Lords committee has raised concerns that the proposed ban on petrol and diesel car sales might face further delays.

The committee emphasizes that major barriers to electric vehicle ownership need to be addressed promptly.

Stalling Electric Car Sales

The committee’s findings reveal that electric car sales are experiencing a significant slowdown, particularly among private motorists.

Affordability issues and the slow deployment of public charging infrastructure, especially in rural areas, are identified as key factors contributing to this stagnation.

Setback for Government Targets

Industry figures indicate a troubling trend, showing a 25% decline in electric vehicle sales compared to January 2023.

While sales among businesses grew by 42%, convincing over 30 million private motorists to transition to electric vehicles remains a substantial challenge for the government.

Challenges in Charging Infrastructure

Despite the government’s target of installing six chargers at all motorway service stations by the end of 2023, the report highlights that this goal has been achieved at only 33% of locations.

Baroness Parminter, the chair of the inquiry, underscores the importance of addressing these infrastructure gaps.

Rishi Sunak’s Previous Delay

The concerns over stalling electric car sales add pressure on the government, especially as Chancellor Rishi Sunak had already postponed the proposed ban from 2030 to 2035.

Convincing private motorists to make the switch is crucial for achieving the ambitious target of banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035.

Global Call for Change

Parallel to these developments, Paris has urged major cities, including London, to emulate its approach in discouraging SUV gas guzzlers.

The French capital has successfully tripled parking costs for SUVs, with 54.6% of Parisians voting in favor of a significant increase from £5 per hour to £15 per hour for parking.

Industry Figures and Political Response

The report’s revelations come against the backdrop of industry figures highlighting the challenges in the electric vehicle market.

The House of Lords committee’s warning adds a political dimension, urging ministers to address these obstacles promptly to avoid further delays in the transition away from traditional fuel cars.

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