No hot food? No road sign! EV charging hubs told to up their game

If they wish to receive signage on a nearby A-road, operators of EV hubs must also provide up to 10 parking spaces for those not wishing to charge, Wi-Fi (crucial for logging into charging apps for favourable rates), mobile device charging ports and a free-to-use emergency telephone. They must also be within a mile of the aforementioned SRN. Advertisement - Article continues below

"The major missed opportunity lies with motorway signage. Our Stevenage Electric Forecourt at junction 7 on the A1(M) is a prime example," Kunkel continued. "Despite being a state-of-the-art facility with high-powered charging, [a] driver lounge, retail and food facilities, it doesn't qualify for motorway signage." One of the many reasons for this is because, to have a sign on a motorway, an EV charging hub must also provide fuel for internal combustion cars, which would effectively turn it into a traditional service station. Ultimately, the automotive industry perceives public awareness of EV charging infrastructure as one of the key elements of building confidence surrounding the transition to electric cars[1].

CEO of chargepoint operator trade body Charge UK, Vicky Read, explained that the industry is: "in discussion with the Department for Transport on behalf of members with regards to increasing the flexibility in the criteria for EV charging hub signage. This is a real opportunity to not only help current EV drivers but build others' confidence in switching to electric as the infrastructure becomes more visible. We are optimistic that we will start to see this shift happening soon."

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express?

We'll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.[2][3]

References

1. ^ electric cars (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
2. ^ sell your car through Auto Express (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
3. ^ find a great deal on a new car, too (marketplace.autoexpress.co.uk)