Plans to boost electric charging points in Wales
Cynlluniau i hybu pwyntiau gwefru trydan yng Nghymru
The Welsh Government has published its strategy to achieve a substantial increase in the number of electric car charging points in Wales.
It is based on a vision that “by 2025, all users of electric cars and vans in Wales are confident that they can access electric vehicle charging infrastructure when and where they need it.”
Proposed investment of £30m over five years will be set aside to help with delivery. A consultation on the strategy has been launched, as part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing efforts to support the transition to low emission vehicles. The UK Government recently announcement of the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030.
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 17th November.
Discussion with consumers identified a number of issues which reduced confidence in using electric vehicles. To address this the 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
- Reliable and available infrastructure
- 24/7 customer care to support drivers
- 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.”
Notes to editors
The consultation will be available here: https://gov.wales/electric-vehicle-charging-strategy / https://llyw.cymru/strategaeth-gwefru-cerbydau-trydan
Transport currently makes up 17% of Wales’ carbon emissions and is the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Wales.
Where it is feasible slow charging at home can offer the most convenient and cost-effective charging option. Away from home, fast and rapid/ultra-fast charging - for example at dedicated stations – can help people have the confidence to complete journeys.
Steps to improve slow charging include:
- All new homes with an associated car parking space will have electric vehicle charging.
- Homeowners and occupiers with off-street parking in Wales will be supported to charge at home.
- Home charging will be ‘smart enabled’ for value and efficiency.
Steps to improve fast charging include:
- New –build non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces will have a charge point provided by 2025.
- Business provides charging facilities at places of work for the use of staff and visitors.
- Destinations provide charging facilities for the use of customers which may act as a means of improving customer experience.
- On-street charging and in car parks will be encouraged in villages, towns and cities throughout Wales; with a view to installing on average one charge point for one in every three electric vehicles that cannot charge at home.
- Charging hubs, including out of town park and ride, and supporting active travel will feature in enabling decarbonised multi-modal journeys across Wales.
Steps to improve rapid/ultra-rapid charging include:
- By 2025, a rapid charging network will be provided across the strategic trunk road network of Wales, providing charging at a distance of approximately 20 miles.
- In urban centres taxis and private hire vehicles will have extensive access to charging facilities by 2025.