Unlocking affordable and convenient EV charging

The recent paper from the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, titled “EV strategy: rapid recharge needed,” underscores a crucial point in the transition towards widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The emphasis on the swift deployment of on-street AC charging is pivotal, especially for the 25-40% of households without off-street parking, relying on public chargepoints.

"Lower-powered, on-street AC charging involves cheaper installation for operators, less demand on the grid, and cheaper prices for consumers. Ensuring that the rollout of on-street charging proceeds rapidly, while taking account of broader issues such as pavement access and safety, is essential to provide fair and equitable access to charging across the UK."

Convenience, affordability and VAT for on-street charging

The Environment and Climate Change Committee rightly notes that lower-powered on-street AC charging offers a more economical installation, reduced grid demand, and cheaper prices for consumers. Convenient, near-home chargepoints are also key in meeting the primary charging needs of EV drivers without driveways. On-street chargepoints installed near residents’ homes, prevents them having to drive somewhere to charge, and ensures fair and equitable charegpoint access across the UK.

On-street charging not only offers convenience but also a significant price advantage compared to rapid charging. In January 2024, the average cost to charge at a DC chargepoint was 81p/kWh, compared to 51p/kWh for on-street charging—a substantial 41% saving. However, on-street charging is still made unfairly more expensive because the government charge VAT at 20% for public charging, yet only 5% for residents that charge off-street.

This price disadvantage is a critical point in the ongoing debate around VAT. The Environment and Climate Change Committee recommend equalising VAT on public charging at 5%. The government must ensure nobody is left behind in the transition to 100% EVs.

Tackling accessibility and safety issues

Whilst emphasising the importance of on-street charging for social justice, we echo the concern raised by the Environment and Climate Change Committee about pavement access and safety. Urban Fox has been at the forefront, actively championing on-street charging and addressing accessibility and safety issues, whilst working to minimise the impact of our chargepoints on the streetscape.

Our commitment is evident in the design of our award-winning, retractable UEone chargepoint which, as the only PAS-compliant, flush-fitting on-street charger, helped us to win Chargepoint Manufacturer of the Year 2023. When not in use, the UEone auto retracts flat and flush underground, leaving pavements clear and obstruction free for all pedestrians.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of EV adoption, our commitment remains steadfast—to make EV charging equitable, convenient, accessible, affordable and safe.