Written evidence submitted Dr Yinglong He (Lecturer at University of Surrey) (EVS0002)

About the Author

1. Background

While significant progress has been made in expanding EV infrastructure in urban regions, rural and underserved areas remain far behind, leading to inequitable access to EV charging points. In England’s rural and county areas, there is just one publicly available charger for every 9.5 miles, compared to the much denser provision of one charger every 0.3 miles in inner London (CCN, 2023). Recent Department for Transport (DfT) data reveals that only 14.9% of public chargers are located in rural areas (Middleton, 2024), despite these regions accounting for 70% of England’s road miles (CCN, 2023). This disparity highlights a clear imbalance that limits EV adoption outside urban centres.

As presented in latest reports (Pure Energy, 2024), Fig. 1 shows that the geographical area with the most EV charging points is unsurprisingly Greater London with 18,927, followed by the South East with 6,661 and Scotland with 4,880. Fig. 2 indicates that there are currently fewer rapid charge points in more rural areas of the UK.

This disproportionately impacts rural drivers, tourists, and businesses, ultimately limiting economic opportunities and sustainable growth. The geographical disparities in EV charging infrastructure stem from:

1) Installing EV charging stations in rural areas face significant economic challenges due to low cost-effectiveness and long payback periods. A key factor is low utilisation rates stemming from fewer EVs in rural areas, which makes investment less attractive to both public and private sectors. According to a recent study (Sheng et al., 2021), in most UK rural areas, revenue from electricity sales does not cover costs over an 8-year period, making charging stations financially unsustainable without external funding or policy intervention. Additionally, the high upfront costs (up to £42,000 per charger) further discourage private sector investment.

2) Local authorities in rural areas face significant barriers in implementing EV charging infrastructure, including limited technical expertise, insufficient funding, and administrative complexities (DfT, 2023). Many councils lack the resources and knowledge to navigate the process of engaging with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) for grid connections, reinforcing the network, and addressing power capacity issues (UKEVSE, 2021). Furthermore, the cost of upgrades, street works, and planning permissions often exceeds available budgets, making EV deployment economically unviable. The reliance on outdated infrastructure, such as streetlights not capable of supporting fast chargers, further compounds the issue (National Grid, 2021).

2. Recommendations

The current government strategy, including initiatives such as the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme (DfT, 2022), aims to provide equitable access to EV infrastructure. However, it falls short in addressing the specific challenges faced by rural areas, such as inadequate funding and gaps in local authority capacity. A more targeted approach is urgently required to ensure that rural infrastructure development keeps pace and aligns with the UK’s national decarbonisation goals.

1) A key recommendation is the introduction of “EV Charging Equity Zones,” funded through direct government investment, to incentivise the deployment of public chargers in rural locations. This investment should prioritise key transport routes, remote villages, and high-demand destinations such as tourist hubs.

2) Local authorities in rural regions also require greater support. To address capacity gaps, the government should offer technical assistance programs to help councils develop infrastructure plans and access funding. Expanding the LEVI scheme (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, 2023) with a specific focus on rural areas will help overcome planning challenges and ensure funds are allocated to regions most in need.

3) Innovative charging solutions must also be considered to improve rural coverage. Solar-powered charging hubs with integrated battery storage can provide reliable, off-grid options for remote locations. Installing ultra-fast charging stations along major rural routes and corridors will facilitate long-distance travel and ease concerns about running out of charge. Expanding on-street charging infrastructure will allow rural residents to charge their vehicles overnight, offering a convenient and affordable alternative to rapid chargers, particularly for households without private driveways.

4) Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will be critical in overcoming economic barriers. Incentivising private investment through subsidies or tax relief will help to offset lower profit margins in rural areas. Partnerships between local businesses, councils, and charging providers can also support the development of charging hubs that serve both residents and visitors, boosting local economies and encouraging tourism.

3. Conclusion

Geographical disparities in EV charging infrastructure must be addressed to ensure equitable access, boost rural economies, and meet national decarbonisation goals. Government investment, local authority empowerment, and innovative charging solutions are critical to bridging the rural-urban divide. By prioritizing rural EV infrastructure, the UK can deliver a sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected transport system that benefits all communities.

References

CCN (2023). Electric vehicle infrastructure: analysing the challenge in powering England’s plug-in revolution.

DfT (2023). Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: help for local authorities. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-help-for-local-authorities

DfT (2022). UK electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy

Middleton, Natalie (2024). AA reveals latest UK charging rates and calls for more rural EV chargers. https://evfleetworld.co.uk/aa-reveals-latest-uk-charging-rates-and-calls-for-more-rural-ev-chargers/

National Grid (2021). 2021 guide on electric vehicle charging for local authorities.

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (2023). Apply for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-local-ev-infrastructure-levi-funding

Pure Energy. (2024). Electric Vehicle Charging and Rural Communities. https://www.pureenergyuk.com/2024/04/23/rural-ev-charging/

Sheng, K., Dibaj, M., & Akrami, M. (2021). Analysing the Cost-Effectiveness of Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles in the UK’s Rural Areas. World Electric Vehicle Journal, 12(4), 232.

UKEVSE (2021). A guide on electric vehicle charging and DNO engagement for local authorities.

December 2024

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