Understanding Current EV Infrastructure Metrics
The current metrics for tracking the progress of the United Kingdom’s electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) have been deemed too broad and imprecise, says a recent collaboration between Vauxhall and the Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology, better known as Cenex. The partnership aims to improve our understanding of the country’s transition towards electrification and argues that the prevailing metrics, such as the number of public chargepoints and EVs per chargepoint, do not accurately reflect the true extent of progress.
Introducing More Precise Metrics
This study presents three finer-tuned metrics that provide a more accurate reflection of the real status of EV infrastructure development in the UK. These indices focus on three specific types of public charging: Near Home Charging, Destination Charging, and Journey Charging. By considering the differing needs of drivers and locations, these new metrics provide a more equitable and relevant analysis of progress.
The Tale Told by New Metrics
When these new metrics are applied to current data, they offer more detailed insights. The Near Home Charging index, which assesses the balance of supply and demand for charging points in residential areas, reveals that only 19% of households requiring charging have access to nearby charging points. The Journey Charging index, which examines demand for charging along travel routes, reveals that while charging supply is generally above demand, there are significant variations between routes, with the M27 having the least favourable Journey Charging provision.
Vauxhall’s Contributions to EV Infrastructure
Vauxhall’s commitment to advancing the UK’s EV infrastructure is evident in its initiative ‘Electric Streets of Britain’. This campaign, launched in 2023, aims to ensure that all drivers looking to switch to electric vehicles have access to proper charging infrastructure. On-street residential EV charging points can be requested through their website, www.electricstreets.co.uk, and to date, over 13,000 registrations from more than 11,500 streets across the country have been logged.
Looking ahead
By the end of this year, every car and van in Vauxhall’s line-up will be available in a fully electric version. As the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer and offering the best-selling small electric car, the Corsa Electric, Vauxhall is making significant strides in the electric vehicle market.
The full report and interactive Metric Dashboard can be accessed at www.electricstreets.co.uk, allowing all interested parties to explore the data underpinning these new metrics.
