News analysis
Local solutions for local road users
Catherine Bowen, senior policy advisor, BVRLA, looks at the focus on local authorities.
he balance of power is shifting. However, even with this being the year of a General Election, that is not the shift I’m talking about. The focus is instead on local authorities, who are being given the keys to unlock the funding, technology and expertise to accelerate the UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Across the board, they are embracing that opportunity. The latest data from the BVRLA, acquired via a nationwide Freedom of Information request, shows that 98% of local authorities have engaged with the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme since its launch. The LEVI programme makes funds available to support local infrastructure plans. It is enabling experts to be hired, teams to be set up, and projects to get off the ground.
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That is but one step on a long journey. If the mission is to achieve a nationwide network of EV charging solutions that work for all road users, engaging with the LEVI programme represents the launchpad.
At a national level, demand for battery electric vehicles (BEV) is up again. February registration data from the SMMT shows BEVs now account for 18% of the new car market. More EVs are hitting UK roads. Infrastructure needs to keep pace.
Digging into that data shows that the fleet sector continues to prop up EV registrations. Supporting demand in the retail sector – including the used market – is a challenge in itself. Work is ongoing to address those challenges. Fleet leading the way is a success of our sector and further highlights the need to be at the table when infrastructure decisions are being made.
Progress is mixed but positive changes are being embraced That is what the BVRLA is putting great time and effort into achieving. Through the Fleet Friendly Charging Index, we are mapping how much progress local authorities across the UK have made on their local EV charging infrastructure plans. More specifically, it shows how many are actively engaging with fleets and
“Half of local authorities now have a dedicated contact for their EV strategy, up from about one in fi ve.”
Above: Catherine Bowen, senior policy advisor, BVRLA,
considering how to best meet their needs. This month sees us launch the latest version of the Index and is the first opportunity to see year-on-year trends. Progress since 2023 has been mixed but it is clear to see that more authorities are trying to make positive changes in this area and make informed decisions. Our data shows that 49% of local authorities now have an EV strategy in place, up from 21% last year. That uplift shows the impact of the LEVI programme and is testament to new teams being formed across the UK. Half of local authorities now have a dedicated contact for their EV strategy, up from about one in five last year.
Above: The Fleet Friendly Charging Index is helping to map progress made to local EV charging infrastructure plans across the UK.
16 | March 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
Highlighting local situation with Fleet Friendly Chargin Index Where we still need to see more progress is on fleet needs. More authorities are demonstrating evidence of fleet engagement but they are still very much in the minority. The reasons for this are down to time constraints or lack of understanding, as opposed to being an active choice. The headroom for
improvement is huge. They are looking for support and are open for collaboration. This month’s launch sees us present the Index to representatives from across the UK. They will hear from fleet sector experts and authorities leading the way. The BVRLA’s engagement with local authorities will build. Every meeting and exchange highlights fleet needs and signposts the best ways in which local plans can meet them.
All colleagues and stakeholders from across the sector are encouraged to view the Fleet Friendly Charging Index to see the state of play in their region. Where provided, the Index will also give contact details for the EV infrastructure lead locally. They can be contacted directly, or the BVRLA is on hand to support any engagements and kickstart constructive conversations.
The Index is our key tool to start that collaboration. Not only does it hold a mirror up to each authority, but it shows which of their peers are leading the way. It is an ice breaker and represents our way to get a seat at the table to shape local infrastructure plans.
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