- EVA England launches new ‘Charge Up Change’ toolkit helps EV drivers directly raise concerns with their local MPs.
- Public charging grew 37% in 2024, but access and affordability remain uneven, especially for driveway-less households.
- EVA England urges targeted policy reforms to support low-income drivers and expand affordable second-hand EV ownership options.
Charging gaps challenged across the UK as EVA England launches toolkit for policy reform
Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England has introduced a new campaign and online toolkit, Charge Up Change, enabling EV drivers to directly email their MPs about pressing issues in the electric vehicle sector. This initiative follows a recent driver-focused event in Parliament, aiming to amplify the voices of everyday drivers in shaping EV policies.
Despite the UK’s public EV charging network expanding by 37% in 2024, reaching over 73,000 devices, challenges persist. Notably, only 20% of these are rapid chargers, essential for long-distance travel, while the majority are slower options located in urban areas.
A significant concern is the “charging divide.” Approximately 40% of UK households lack off-street parking, forcing reliance on public chargers, which can be up to ten times more expensive than home charging. Additionally, many local authorities restrict the installation of cross-pavement charging solutions, limiting affordable options for these residents.
High upfront costs of EVs remain a barrier for many potential buyers. EVA England advocates for targeted support for lower-income households and measures to strengthen the second-hand EV market, making electric vehicles more accessible.
Perran Moon, Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth, said:
“It was a pleasure to host EVA England and their members in Parliament to talk about the priorities for drivers when it comes to switching to and driving electric vehicles. Drivers must be the central consideration when thinking about new charging infrastructure and the wider policies helping the transition to electric – the big changes currently taking hold must ultimately work for them. This means making sure the 40% of households without driveways can charge reliably and affordably at home, for instance, and making sure our public infrastructure is safe to use by drivers with disabilities. I look forward to continue working with EVA England and the wider sector at this crucial and exciting time for EVs.”
The new Charge Up Change toolkit makes it easy for drivers to speak up. It aims to correct misinformation and push for more consumer-focused policies.
EVA England CEO, Vicky Edmonds, said:
“This is a crucial moment for EV policy. EVs bring considerable benefits to those who own and drive them. But as more and more people consider making the switch, we need to make sure the system works for everyone, not just those with off-street parking or early adopter enthusiasm. MPs have proven hugely helpful and responsive when made aware of these real-life barriers, as we saw during our event last week. I hope our new ‘Write to Your MP’ tool empowers more drivers to raise their voices and helps spark the change we need to deliver a fair, affordable, and reliable EV future.”
