The Welsh government has announced that it will invest £30m in EV charging points over the next five years to ensure EV drivers are confident they can access charging infrastructure across Wales.
The funding was announced as part of the Welsh government’s electric charging point strategy, which was published on 17 November 2020.
A public consultation on the strategy has now been launched. The Welsh government said the strategy is part of ongoing efforts to support the switch to low-emission vehicles.
Currently only 0.17% of vehicles in Wales are electric. As such, the Welsh government is in discussions with consumers to identify a number of issues that reduce confidence in using EVs.
Ken Skates, Welsh minister for economy, transport and North Wales, said: “Electric vehicles is an emerging market but one that that will be integral to how we travel in the coming years.
“Improvements cannot be driven by government alone, and this strategy will support the public, private and third sector to work together in giving people confidence in using electric vehicles.”
The Welsh government said it aims to give drivers the assurance that EV charging points will be widely available by providing reliable infrastructure. It will also look to provide information about charging on main roads and safe, well-lit environments for charging facilities.
Furthermore, it intends to implement contactless payment where possible, with an app-based system as well as simple accessible pricing information.
According to the Welsh government there will also need to be 24/7 customer care to support drivers in transitioning to low emission vehicles.
Skates added: “We are at the early stages of a transport revolution that will see the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars and vans. To tackle the climate emergency our transport system must become cleaner and greener.”
