As more charge points are being installed around the UK, it is important that EV drivers and people thinking about converting to carbon-free solutions are aware of the laws surrounding EV charging. What benefits are in place? And why is it important more than ever to have reliable portable EV charging solutions accessible? Find out more here.
The 2030 Ban
In July 2017, the UK government released a new Air Quality Plan 5 that included a promise to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. Additional funding of £255 million for local councils to develop and implement nitrate pollution reduction strategies was also included in the proposal, which was funded by changes in the tax treatment of new diesel vehicles.
This is in preparation for UK’s government strategising a zero-emission society by 2050.
What’s the Latest Electric Vehicle Law?
New legislation coming into effect later this year will force the UK’s electric vehicle rapid charging network to have a 99% reliability rate.
Ministers think that by doing so, they will eliminate range anxiety and create a “world-class” charging grid. The plan also contains a £1.6 billion investment in 300,000 new charge points around the country, which would be five times the number of standard gasoline pumps now in use, according to the draught. It is expected that these will be operational by 2030 and will be disseminated across the country.
This money is set to support the installation of charge points across the UK; setting it as a legal requirement to ensure reliability. Also, it is important that these fast charging stations are accessible for EV drivers. Currently, electric vehicle charging stations are primarily in the London area, with 111 charge points available per 100,000 people. But, what about the rest of the UK? Especially in smaller towns or remote locations.
Portable EV charging solutions can help ease this worry. For electric vehicle drivers, it is important to ensure that their car has enough charge for everyday use. Though more charge points are being installed, there still is a gap in this market, where there are not enough chargers to meet demand. However, with portable chargers, a driver can still convert to carbon-free solutions with their driving and be confident that they will have enough charge.
What Measures Promote EVs in Your Area?
But why convert to an electric vehicle? To help lower the planet’s carbon footprint, the government has created various benefits for these drivers.
There are several grants in place to encourage drivers to convert to electric cars. For example, EV purchase grants ensure that the government will pay up to £4,500 for the purchase of an electric car, based on CO2 emissions and the milage.
In some cases, new electric cars will not have to pay road tax; as CO2 emissions are used to evaluate the tariff, for which fully electric cars do not emit. Also, since April 2018, EV charging services provided by businesses to their employees will not be taxed. This is true for drivers in London as well; as they will be exempt from the congestion charge.
Industry sources are also promoting electric vehicles. The Low Carbon Networks Fund, administered by Ofgem, the UK National Regulatory Authority for electricity and gas, is funded by distribution network operators and is worth £500 million.
Elite Electric Vehicle
Here at Elite EV Charge, we offer a wide range of services for portable electric vehicle charging. Portable EV charging is a great way to help the planet move toward carbon-free solutions in an effort to lower its overall carbon footprint.
For more information, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form here. One of our specialists will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. Or, why not follow us on Instagram? Our social media team posts daily content on the latest EV news and the benefits of portable EV charging.