- Electrifying transport is more than just installing chargers. Local authorities must take a systematic approach, integrating EV infrastructure with urban planning, energy supply and transport management. This means aligning the rollout of charging points with broader sustainability objectives, urban mobility needs and opportunities to introduce more flexible management of the electricity grid.
- Strategic planning over a suitably wide geographic region is essential to avoid fragmented provision or, alternatively, ineffective and redundant infrastructure provision.
- Authorities need a robust, adaptable plan that factors in vehicle demand growth and energy supply constraints, and is aware of the needs of the wider community, particularly those areas and sectors of the population poorly served by the open market (e.g. social housing tenants).
- As EV adoption increases rapidly, the demand for charging infrastructure will quickly outpace current provision. Local authorities must urgently scale up installations, focusing on a diverse range of charging options – from slow residential chargers for overnight charging to fast and rapid chargers for fleet and commercial needs. Public infrastructure, especially in rural or underserved urban areas, requires attention to prevent gaps in coverage, which could hinder EV uptake. Forecasting tools, such as those provided by CENEX and sub-national transport bodies, can help estimate future demand and target installations where they are most needed.
- A major concern is ensuring fair access to EV charging for all residents, especially those without off-street parking who may rely on public charging points. Public chargers are often more expensive than home charging, potentially disadvantaging lower-income households. To mitigate this, authorities should explore innovative pricing models, subsidies or community sharing systems to make EV ownership more accessible. Regulating the cost of public charging and ensuring equitable pricing will be key to avoiding disparities between those who can charge at home and those who cannot.
- Local authorities should focus on integrating EV infrastructure with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind energy. Smart charging technologies, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, allow vehicles to store and return energy to the grid, improving energy efficiency and stabilising demand. These systems can optimise charging times, such as charging vehicles during off-peak hours or when renewable energy generation is high. Integrating onsite renewable energy generation with storage solutions will become increasingly important to support grid resilience and sustainability.
- Local authorities must recognise that not all EVs have the same charging needs. Buses, vans, taxis and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) require different charging speeds, locations, and management strategies compared to private cars. For instance, fleet vehicles may benefit from dedicated depot charging, while public transport vehicles need charging hubs that fit their schedules and operational routes. Authorities should assess duty cycles, operational needs and fleet usage patterns to design infrastructure that maximises vehicle uptime and efficiency. There are options for dual use of expensive facilities, such as charging facilities for EV buses and fleets; however, mixing business users with the general public can be difficult from an operational or insurance perspective.
- The electrification of transport places significant strain on local electricity grids. Authorities need to work closely with distribution network operators (DNOs) to ensure there is sufficient grid capacity to meet the rising energy demand from EVs, especially in rural areas or regions with limited energy infrastructure. Planning should include assessing grid constraints, reinforcing weak areas and exploring innovative solutions such as microgrids, battery storage and peak-time energy management to avoid costly grid upgrades.
- Ensuring that the rollout of EV infrastructure benefits all residents, including those with disabilities, is critical. Local authorities should prioritise accessible charging stations with safe, well-lit environments and adequate space for wheelchair access. Additionally, ensuring the locations are secure, with anti-theft measures and CCTV where possible, will encourage broader usage. Authorities should also consider the wider social and economic benefits of EV adoption, ensuring it is not just a privilege for the wealthiest or most urban residents.
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a key role in the rapid development of EV infrastructure. By collaborating with private operators, local authorities can share the financial burden, reduce risks and benefit from private sector investment and expertise. These partnerships are particularly valuable for establishing high-demand rapid charging hubs, where commercial operators see strong revenue potential. Local councils can lease strategically located land for these hubs, particularly in prime areas such as transport hubs or tourist destinations, generating rental income. This revenue can help subsidise less profitable but essential infrastructure, like residential on-street chargers, ensuring equitable access to EV charging while supporting long-term financial sustainability. However, it is important that these partnerships maintain a balance between profitability and public interest, prioritising accessibility, affordability and environmental impact.
Sarah Wixey Chief Operating Officer, Virtus Energy
Wendy Cheesewright Head of Vehicle Fleet Management, Hounslow Council
Jamie MacIntosh Business Development Manager, Alexander Dennis
Heather Watkinson Associate Director, City Science
Tim Gooseman Senior Transportation Manager, Equans and North East Lincolnshire Council
Valerie Sexton Bus Service Planning Team Manager, Surrey County Council
Keith Budden Head of Business Development, Cenex
Chris Rimmer Head of Policy, Strategy & Implementation, Cenex
