News analysis
Going local P
ower presents itself in a multitude of ways. Funding and financial backing brings purchasing power, while the old adage that ‘knowledge is power’ certainly rings true in all walks of life.
When it comes to the roll out of a suitable EV charging infrastructure, the balance of power is changing. Responsibilities that have historically sat with those in Westminster are being pushed to all corners of the UK. Local Authorities are being given the ability to implement their own infrastructure plans, while programmes such as the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, give access to funding not seen before. The race to decarbonise our road transport
BVRLA’s Thomas McLennan says local authorities must talk to the fleet sector.
system will now be won or lost at a local level.
Authorities are being asked to spearhead new public charging infrastructure strategies, but most of them are under-resourced, under-funded and dealing with a host of competing transport priorities.
This is good news for the fleet sector. The collective ability to influence decisions and see a fleet- friendly charging network has never been stronger. Those developing local plans are hungry for support. They want to make the right decisions and want to hear from
any stakeholders, organisations and constituents that can help guide them.
Our research earlier this year showed that nearly two-thirds of local authorities in the UK are yet to publish an EV strategy. More than that, we also uncovered that 40% are yet to engage with the
fleet sector.
Local authorities either don’t know where to start with their plans or are overlooking the critical role that fleet users play in the road transport network. This must change. The responsibility to create that change sits with the fleet sector.
The fleet sector is pulling the nation forward on its drive to decarbonise, but charging infrastructure is failing to keep up. Only by being at the table and bringing local decision-makers on the journey with us can we influence plans that will work for everyone.
The Government’s LEVI funding is hugely important, but policymakers also need support in understanding the needs of different fleet users, whether it is those based locally or those travelling through. Fleets are already living and breathing the
Above: Thomas McLennan, head of policy and public affairs, BVRLA
transition to EVs and are familiar with the barriers, frustrations, and benefits that it brings.
That is why the BVRLA launched its Fleet Charging Guide. Updated for 2023, the Guide provides a high-level overview of how and where fleets charge, delivering tangible recommendations for policymakers to implement.
The critical element is collaboration. Getting the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time requires everyone in the electric vehicle ecosystem to come together. The Guide enables that and will facilitate conversations to develop plans at a local level.
Local authorities want to play their part in this too. They want to lead from the front and demonstrate to their constituents that they are committed to road transport decarbonisation. Through our engagements with authorities across the UK, we are seeing them officially commit to having fleets in mind. By signing the Fleet Friendly Charging Infrastructure Pledge, local authorities are confirming that they will: Consider fleet operators and drivers in charging infrastructure plans and strategies
Engage with the fleet sector to understand their charging requirements
Provide fleet-focused EV charging information and guidance
The more authorities that commit to the pledge at a local level, the more we will see fleet needs being met nationally. It is something we are actively pushing for at the BVRLA currently and making great strides in. The collective support of the wider fleet sector can only make our case stronger. Industry professionals are encouraged to make contact with their local authority to start the conversation today. Through the BVRLA’s suite of local authority resources – including the Fleet Charging Guide and Fleet Friendly Charging Index – it is possible to check the progress made by each authority in the UK before making contact and sharing the recommendations from the Guide. Only by making our voices heard, sharing our needs and presenting solutions, will we see positive change to make the EV transition successful.
The power is ultimately in our hands. 12 | August 2023 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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