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UK RHA calls for EV charging investment for commercial vehicles

The UK Road Haulage Association has welcomed news that local authorities are accelerating investment in EV charging infrastructure.
By Liam McLoughlin January 8, 2025 Read time: 1 min
The RHA is calling for local authorities and energy companies to prioritise infrastructure for vans, lorries and coaches. Image: © Haiyin/Dreamstime

Responding to a report in The Times, the RHA's senior policy lead Chris Ashley said that lack of charging infrastructure is a major blockage preventing the rapid introduction of electric vehicles, with the problem being particularly acute for commercial vehicle operators.

"We call for local authorities and the energy companies to ensure infrastructure for vans, lorries and coaches is urgently prioritised," Ashley added.

"With latest EV van sales static at 6.3% of overall van sales, practical measures are needed to ensure vans can access the public car EV network; for example, removing height barriers so that vans can access dedicated charge points in car parks."

"When 8,200 charge points at 3,000 locations are needed for lorries by 2030, having just one public HGV charging point at the M61 Rimmington Services is not good enough. Urgent action is needed to speed up both planning applications for HGV and coach recharging hubs and connections to the National Grid."

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