Autovista Group Survey: Who should be responsible for increasing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure?

20 April 2018

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Electric vehicle (EV) uptake is slow. However, manufacturers are rapidly accelerating their plans to provide a number of new models using the technology, in a bid to combat potential fines for missing CO2 targets.

One thing that is standing in the way of the market accelerating is a lack of charging infrastructure. Across Europe, there are various plans in place to increase the number of vehicle charge points, yet there is no clear consensus on who should lead responsibility on this task.

National governments are announcing funding for increasing networks. However, it is often up to municipal government or councils to add funding and spend their money wisely. Vehicle manufacturers are also getting involved, creating ventures, such as the Ionity project, to build a fast-charging network across the continent. Oil companies are also getting involved, announcing plans to add charge points to fuel station forecourts.

But with so many different voices making claims and plans, the issue can easily get confused, especially if one group decides to rely on the power or resources of the other. Autovista Group is asking who should be solely responsible for increasing the electric vehicle charging network across Europe. Should Government fund expansion, or is it down to local authorities to ensure they have a budget and planning to build stations? Are oil companies responsible for alternative technologies or should responsibility fall to manufacturers who need the technology the most?