Most EV-friendly local authorities revealed

A new index has revealed the best places to own an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, as well as the locations with the highest uptake of ULEVs.

Using data on the number of registered ULEVs and publicly available charging and rapid charging points, Migrate’s EV index reveals the areas of the UK that are making it the easiest for motorists to make the switch from a petrol or diesel-powered car to a low emissions vehicle.

The index finds that nine of the UK’s top 10 most EV friendly local authorities are in London. London has invested heavily in EV infrastructure, as well as creating Ultra-Low Emissions Zones. While there is still a way to go, the nation's capital has made it increasingly convenient for motorists to make the switch to an electric vehicle, and as a result, London Burroughs dominate the top 10.

Top 10 most EV friendly local authorities:

1. Westminster
2. Islington
3. Hammersmith & Fulham
4. Wandsworth
5. Orkney Islands
6. Hackney
7. Southwark
8. Tower Hamlets
9. Lambeth
10. Brent

The top 10 local authorities with the highest proportion of ULEVs are:

1. Peterborough
2. Forest of Dean
3. Westminster
4. Slough UA
5. Camdem
6. Kensington and Chelsea
7. Hammersmith and Fulham
8. Birmingham
9. Islington
10. Renfrewshire

The top ten places to charge:

1. Clackmannanshire, Scotland
2. Eilean Siar, Scotland
3. East Ayrshire, Scotland
4. Fermanagh and Omagh, Northern Ireland
5. Falkirk, Scotland
6. Pembrokeshire, Wales
7. Sunderland, North East
8. Eden, North West,
9. Inverclyde, Scotland
10. Gwynedd, Wales

Clackmannanshire in Scotland is officially the UK’s most convenient place to charge up. With 112 public charge points to 83 registered ULEVs, the ratio of 1.3 charging points for every electric or plug-in hybrid means that you’ll ever have to queue to refill your battery.

George Chalmers, CEO of Migrate, said: “It’s not surprising to see so many London authorities at the top of the table considering the introduction of ultra-low emissions zones, and low-emission buses and taxis as a means of improving air quality in the city. However, many places outside of the nation’s capital are starting to narrow the gap as they put forward their own plans to reduce carbon emissions, and ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place to help constituents make the leap to a low emissions vehicle is a great place to start.

“It seems that more than ever before people are aware of the impact that their daily lives and habits have on our planet, so it’s likely that when it comes time to buy that new car, or even your first one, the allure of a shiny new electric vehicle or hybrid will be harder to ignore – providing it’s convenient enough of course.”