Welsh Government plans to boost EV charging network

The Welsh Government has published its strategy to achieve a substantial increase in the number of electric car charging points in Wales, with a proposed investment of £30 million over five years will be set aside to help with delivery.

A consultation on the strategy has been launched, as part of Welsh Government’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to low emission vehicles.

Currently just 0.17% of vehicles used in Wales are electric. Increasing the number of electric cars on roads is part of efforts to achieve a major reduction in carbon emissions from the transport network - as outlined in the draft transport strategy published on 17 November.

Discussion with consumers identified a number of issues which reduced confidence in using electric vehicles. To address this Welsh Government has listed desired outcomes to increase confidence, including payment to be possible by contactless payment and an associated app based system, with simple and accessible pricing information; consistent information about charging on main roads; and reliable and available infrastructure.

The Welsh Government is also aiming for 24/7 customer care to support drivers, as well as safe, well-lit environments for charging facilities.

Other steps to improve access to charging points include better provision at homes and offices, on-street fast charging being encouraged throughout Wales, and a rapid charging network being provided on main roads. Over the next decade the strategy identifies the need for between 30,000 and 50,000 fast chargers and 2,000 to 3,500 rapid/ultra-rapid chargers.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, commented: "We are at the early stages of a transport revolution that will see the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars and vans. To tackle the climate emergency our transport system must become cleaner and greener.

"Electric vehicles is an emerging market but one that that will be integral to how we travel in the coming years. Improvements cannot be driven by government alone, and this strategy will support the public, private and third sector to work together in giving people confidence in using electric vehicles."