We need changes to EV charging points
Date Created: 2023/06/16
Clearly, there needs to be many more of them, as has been said many times. However there are other shortcomings which should be addressed.
- There should be roadside signs to indicate that a charging point is present, just as there are for petrol stations. The sign would have a universal logo for a charge point, together with the operator name, and the number of charging points. They should also display the price.
- The price being charged for electricity is extortionate in most cases. At a time when a domestic kWh costs 20p or so it is very common for public charge points to charge 60-80p. This is not an incentive for the public to consider getting an electric car. The argument might be that market forces should dictate the prices, which would be fine except that there is such a shortage of points at the moment that the EV driver doesn’t have much choice. He or she must grab the point, if it is not being used, at any price. The operators may claim that they need to recoup the cost of the charging point. This is a good argument for a subsidy. If the equipment cost were subsidised by the government, then the operator could provide electricity at a more competitive level, and of course charge points would be installed more quickly.
- Common user interface. Every operator has different screens, and a different layout of controls for interacting with the charge point. Charge points often have screens which are difficult to read in strong sunlight, or in some cases, at night. Some allow chip and pin on the credit card, and some require just a tap (which banks will not always authorise).
- Standardised payment: at the moment there is a bewildering variety of apps and charge cards. The public should not be obliged to carry 20 apps on their phone to guarantee that they will be able to pay by app at any charge point.
- Shelter: petrol pumps are always under a cover, giving the driver some protection from the elements, as well as allowing them to read the display on the pump easily. Charge points are never protected, which is not only unpleasant in bad weather, but in very sunny weather means that the display screens on the charging device are hard to read.
- Sustainability: charging points should declare clearly and honestly whether the electricity they are providing comes from a sustainable source.