Versinetic Report Reveals UK's Public EV Charging Challenges

Versinetic, a modular EV charging solutions provider, has chosen World EV Day to release its groundbreaking report, "Charging on the Go: UK Public EV Infrastructure & Payment Systems."

The research reveals a host of critical issues plaguing the current public EV charging landscape in the UK, namely the following:

• Availability of charging stations
• Costs attached to charging
• Reliability of current payment systems

The three core challenges in public EV charging

1. Availability issues: A major barrier to EV adoption

According to the report, 35.9% of EV drivers need help finding available chargers, which is a crucial factor hindering the adoption and convenience of EVs. The data reveals that nearly 46% of drivers frequently encounter non-functional chargers due to technical failures or being blocked by Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.

The shortage in accessible and operational chargers highlights a critical gap in the UK's EV infrastructure that must be addressed to keep pace with the growing number of EVs on the road.

2. High costs of public charging

Cost is another major concern, with 16.6% of drivers citing it as a significant issue when using public charging stations. The report points out that, in some instances, the cost of charging an EV at a public station can rival or even exceed the cost of petrol, depending on the payment method used.

This financial barrier is particularly troubling for potential EV adopters who are mindful of both their budgets and environmental impact.

3. Reliability and complexity of payment systems

Reliability is the third most pressing challenge, with 14.2% of drivers expressing concern. Nearly half of the respondents report encountering chargers that are often out of service.

Moreover, the current payment systems contribute to user frustration, with negative attitudes towards managing multiple apps outweighing positive ones by a nearly five to one in ratio. It reflects a significant dissatisfaction with the complexity and inconsistency of payment methods across different charging networks.

Dunstan Power, Managing Director at Versinetic, states: "Our findings highlight the necessity for an evolved charging infrastructure that meets current demands and anticipates future growth.

"With public chargers still lagging behind electric vehicle adoption rates, we're at a pivotal point where strategic decisions on payment systems and infrastructure expansion, especially in underserved areas, can significantly influence the adoption trajectory of EVs.

"Scalable solutions must be implemented urgently to prevent inadequate infrastructure's logistical and economic repercussions."

Key recommendations

To support the UK's environmental goals and facilitate greater adoption of electric vehicles, Versinetic's report outlines several critical steps:

1. Building a robust EV charging infrastructure

Versinetic emphasises the need for substantial investment in public EV charging infrastructure to increase the availability of charging stations, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Preparing for the anticipated surge in demand over the next three to four years is crucial. Strategic investments in more chargers will help to prevent the emergence of 'charging deserts,' where charging points are scarce, and make EVs a more practical option for all drivers.

2. Reducing the costs of public charging

The report calls for measures to make public EV charging affordable, which could include the VAT on public chargers from 20% to 5%, aligning them more closely with domestic charging costs.

Additionally, it suggests introducing a unified payment system to reduce operational expenses and foster broader EV adoption.

3. Ensuring reliable and well-maintained charging stations

Effective maintenance and rapid fault resolution are crucial for building trust in public EV charging. Given that 46% of drivers occasionally face non-functional chargers, the report underscores improved maintenance protocols and real-time fault detection systems to ensure charging stations are always available and operational when needed.

Joe Gorman, Senior Director at ChargePoint indicates that Charge Point Operators are actively working to make charging more accessible, stating:  "ChargePoint's management software works with all charging stations and vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer.

Its engineering integrates smoothly with customers' existing fleet management systems, ensuring operations remain efficient and uninterrupted throughout the transition to EVs and beyond."

As the UK continues its shift toward EVs, Versinetic's report offers valuable insights and recommendations for overcoming the challenges in public EV charging and accelerating the nation's progress toward a sustainable transportation future.

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