Research by Jeep has revealed that Coventry is the best place in mainland Britain for plug-in car owners to charge their vehicles. Analysis of the latest government data revealed there is currently one charging device for every 15 plug-in cars registered in the UK, while in Coventry there is one device per 2.3 registered plug-in car owners.
Coventry has 39 rapid charge points, around 190 on-street residential charge points with a further 209, at least, to come by end of next March. The council are also working with charge point operators to promote the installation of charge points at business premises and supporting businesses by assisting with grant applications.
The Outer Hebrides, the island chain off the west coast of mainland Scotland, have the most impressive figures, though. These remote islands have one charger for every 2.13 cars. Other areas leading the charge include Fermanagh and Omagh, in Northern Ireland with 2.5 cars per charger, Wandsworth in London with 2.6 cars per charger and the Isle of Anglesey 2.8 cars per charger.
Jeep surveyed 2,000 UK motorists including 1,600 petrol, diesel and hybrid car owners and 400 who have either a plug-in hybrid or pure electric car. They found the average motorist drives just 26 miles (42km) per day, while 60 per cent of petrol and diesel car owners drive fewer than 20 miles (32km) per day.
Jeep’s survey also found 79 per cent of motorists think the government should be investing more in improving public charging infrastructure. They also found that 76 per cent said there should be a greater investment in on-street charging where motorists don’t have off-street parking.
Damien Dally, Jeep country manager, said: “The UK’s charging infrastructure is improving every day and it’s great to see charging devices popping up across the country. Sales of plug-in hybrids are up by almost 90 per cent this year as motorists look for a more sustainable way of driving around.
“Our research shows the public is supportive of the move towards electric vehicles, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that those who have made the switch are more in favour of the transition.”
Top 10 local authorities plug-in cars per charging point
- Na h-Eileanan Siar (Outer Hebrides) 2.13
- Coventry 2.33
- Fermanagh and Omagh 2.50
- Wandsworth 2.60
- Isle of Anglesey 2.80
- Brighton and Hove 2.83
- Sunderland 2.94
- Eden 2.95
- Pembrokeshire 2.95
- Middlesbrough 2.97
