AEV Act kick-starts race to build leading national charging network

• EV charging infrastructure network set to be given boost as Automated and Electric Vehicles Act receives Royal Assent
• Act gives Government powers to mandate chargers on motorway service stations and ensure new charge points are ‘smart’
• REA comments on the Act becoming law

The assent of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act on Thursday evening (19th July 2018) will support the development of the UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure network, according to the Renewable Energy Association.

The Act gives Government powers to ensure that charge points are ‘smart’ and able to respond to the needs of network operators and suppliers to manage demand. It also gives Government powers to standardise payments, ensure key charge point information is made public, and compel deployment at motorway service stations, which are important developments for the market.

The Act follows the release of the Road to Zero strategy earlier in July, which proposed ensuring new homes are ready for EV charging, that public chargers can be more seamlessly installed, and that tenants are given greater powers to request charging infrastructure from landlords.

Commenting on the development, Daniel Brown, EV Lead at the Renewable Energy Association said:

“This Act, in addition to the recently released Road to Zero strategy, gives an important and timely boost to the development of a world-leading EV charging network in the UK.

“The UK, however, is not the only country with a hunger to be manufacturing these clean technologies – for example China and California’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandates are cornerstone policies in their ambition to grow their own EV manufacturing capabilities. If an intelligent, strategically located, and reliable charging network can be deployed at speed in the UK it will help give us an advantage in this new industrial era.”

—ENDS—

Notes to editors

• The Government’s press statement welcoming the ascent of the Bill, with a quote from Roads Minister Jesse Norman, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-powers-to-kick-start-the-rollout-of-electric-chargepoints-across-the-nation
• The Road to Zero strategy can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-road-to-zero-strategy-to-lead-the-world-in-zero-emission-vehicle-technology 

About the Renewable Energy Association (REA)

The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and recycling. It is the largest renewable energy and clean technology (including energy storage and electric vehicles) trade association in the UK, with around 550 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders.

The REA’s EV sector group is comprised of over 50 members delivering the critical infrastructure needed to deliver the transition to a zero emission car and van future. The REA additionally serves as secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Electric and Automated Vehicles.

For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net