ChargeUK launches manifesto with key asks for next government

ChargeUK, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure trade body, has published a 12-point election manifesto that it says offers a plan to ramp up roll out and ensure UK charging infrastructure provision remains ahead of demand.

Our Electric Future: ChargeUK’s manifesto for the next Government focusses action on three main themes: getting even more chargers in the ground, making charging and owning an EV as easy and affordable as possible, and maximising private investment.

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said, “There are already 60,000 public charge points now available in the UK. One in three of those public chargers was installed in the last year, underlining the pace with which the rollout is taking place. But ChargeUK’s members want to go faster – we know that providing infrastructure ahead of demand is essential if we are to give the UK’s future EV drivers the confidence to switch. We also know that that our infrastructure has to be easy for drivers to use and that it must be affordable.

“Our manifesto details a comprehensive plan to support the UK’s transition to net zero, ensuring convenient, affordable, and accessible charging for all drivers.”

ChargeUK’s 12-point plan covers:

Getting even more public chargers in the ground

Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are deploying infrastructure at record pace, but the next Government can help us go faster:

1. Speed up grid connections by agreeing a voluntary Code with all DNOs, with regulation brought in if required.

2. Ensure the streetworks regime supports timely deployment, by enabling CPOs to use permits rather than Section 50

licences and preventing unnecessary use of Section 115e licences.

3. In England, extend Permitted Development Rights to include essential supporting infrastructure (such as substations) and

an increase in charger height, to reflect the approach to charging infrastructure in Scotland.

4. Include renewable electricity in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, creating a market-based mechanism to support private investment, at no expense to the taxpayer.

Make charging and owning an EV easy and more affordable

Owning and charging an EV should be as easy and affordable as possible. The next Government can take steps to enable this:

5. Equalise VAT at 5% for public and private charging – giving those who can’t charge at home access to more affordable

charging.

6. Reform the electricity wholesale market to encourage more sustainable, lower cost and competitive electricity generation.

7. Work with industry and National Highways to develop standard charging signage and ensure it is widely used across the Strategic Road Network and other major roads.

8. Continue, and potentially expand, the current incentives that help people make the switch to EVs, whether they choose to buy or lease new, used or fleet EVs.

Supporting private investment

The private sector is best placed to lead the rollout, with timely public subsidy targeted where private investment is not commercially viable. The next Government can support this:

9. Urgently confirm the design of the Rapid Charging Fund to remove uncertainty and address market distortion

10. Ensure Local Authorities deploy Local EV Infrastructure funding quickly and provide clearer guidance on resident

consultation for charge point site selection.

11. Address recent significant increases to standing charges, which have seen costs to CPOs rise by up to 300%.

12. Commit to engage with industry as the fleet, eLVC and eHGV market continues to develop.