ELECTRIC TRANSPORT & EV CHARGING


ACCELERATING THE TRANSITION TO


ELECTRIC VEHICLES Paz Sharma, UK managing director for charge point


operator Allego, explains what is stalling the switch to EV and how we can supercharge the transition


Allego: “We are making plugging in as effortless as parking your car”


E


lectric vehicles (EV) are recognised as the future of driving. In addition to being


cheaper to run, they’re also key to the Labour government’s net zero vision. The sale of EVs is also accelerating. In the first


half of 2025 alone, almost 870,000 new battery- electric cars hit the road across the EU, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. And in the UK, the number of fully electric cars has climbed to around 1.6 million. Yet, for all the progress, EVs still make up only a


small slice of the market. If they’re to become the default choice – and play their full part in cutting transport emissions – the pace of adoption needs to shift up another gear. But why are so many drivers hesitant to make the switch?


WHAT’S HOLDING DRIVERS BACK? The answer often comes down to uncertainty about charging. Questions like “Will I find a charger when I need one?”, “Will it be working?” and “How long will it take?” create doubt which can overshadow the environmental and financial advantages of EVs. But, these concerns stem from outdated


perceptions. Modern EV batteries can comfortably handle most daily driving needs. And, the charging network is expanding rapidly, with ultra-fast charging technology meaning drivers can be back on the road in a matter of minutes – as opposed to the hours-long waits many imagine.


WHAT’S ALLEGO’S ROLE IN ALL THIS? We are making plugging in as effortless as parking your car, and that means tackling those common concerns head-on while making charging more accessible than ever. With over 35,000 charging points across Europe


and the UK, our network is designed to fit into everyday life, delivering chargers in places drivers regularly visit – including around supermarkets, retail parks, restaurants and leisure centres, and along key travel routes. This helps reduce anxiety that drivers will be left without somewhere to charge when they need to. And, it means they won’t have to go out of their way to plug in. Charging speed is another critical focus. Our


chargers can provide a top-up in as little as 20- minutes, meaning drivers spend less time waiting. Behind the scenes, our network is actively managed


www.essmag.co.uk


to quickly fix any faults and maximise uptime, addressing common worries about encountering broken or busy chargers. We are also future-proofing our network by


installing high-powered chargers (HPC) in anticipation of car manufacturers producing faster charging vehicles, as well as working with OEMs to deliver innovative solutions. For instance, we are the first company


worldwide to roll out the most secure version of ‘Plug & Charge’ technology, which uses digital certificates to not only make charging more convenient but also reduces the risk of errors or security issues for drivers.


POWERING THE UK’S EV FUTURE The UK has made a clear commitment to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, positioning EVs as central to achieving cleaner air and net zero emissions. To support this ambition, the government has introduced measures to make it easier to install charge points, cutting red tape around planning permissions. New government-funded signage on key roads is also being rolled out to help drivers easily locate charging stations. Against this backdrop, we are


expanding our already wide-reaching UK network to support even greater accessibility. For example, we recently opened our largest UK site in Stoke- on-Trent, which delivers reliable and easy charging at a key point along a busy Midlands travel corridor. While there has been progress, there is still a lot


of room for growth in the UK, with EVs currently making up less than 5% of the 34 million cars on UK roads. We are focused on improving charging convenience, speed and reliability to help give drivers the confidence to switch.


THE FREEDOM OF ELECTRIC DRIVING From both an environmental and financial standpoint, the benefits of switching to electric vehicles are undeniable. What’s crucial now is expanding access and continuing to address the misperceptions that hold many drivers back. With an ever-growing


network of chargers placed where drivers need them most, we are making it easier than ever to tap into the freedom of electric driving. The future of driving is


already here. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels ready to be part of it.


Paz Sharma


Allego www.allego.eu


ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 23


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