Electric Car growth needs infrastructure investment

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The Kia e-Niro has become the first electric car to win Car of the Year, highlighting the need for infrastructure investment as the market for electric vehicles grows.

The National Infrastructure Assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission has recommended immediate action to deliver a truly national, visible charging network to support and encourage increasing demand for electric cars. This includes the call for Government subsidy to provide charging points where the private sector will not deliver in the short term – particularly in rural and small towns, and remote locations.

The Assessment – the first of its kind in the UK – proposes that the charging infrastructure should be in place to allow customer demand to reach close to 100% electric car and van sales by 2030.

Responding to the award for the Kia e-Niro, a spokesman for the National Infrastructure Commission said: “While it is great news that an electric car has been awarded Car of the Year, the UK needs to develop a truly visible, national charging network to help more drivers make the switch from petrol and diesel.

“Our National Infrastructure Assessment includes recommendations to achieve just that and make sure the UK is ready for this growing market, including offering subsidies to support rural and remote areas, and getting councils to allocate a portion of their parking spaces for potential future charging points.

“This would ensure that this growing demand for electric cars isn’t halted by a lack of the charging infrastructure needed.”

If you are interested in finding out more about key infrastructure trends today, you may wish to attend the flagship infrastructure exhibition at the NEC in April 2019 : UKIS 2019

Click here for more information on how to register or exhibit at the UK Infrastructure Show 2019.  

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