Scepticism about the government’s 2030 target for electric vehicle charging points will prove unfounded, according to a new report.

The report by New AutoMotive, titled On The Road To 2030, has revealed the growth in the number of charging points is progressing at a rate to keep the country on track for the target of 300,000 by the start of the next decade.

Examining the factors driving the take-up of electric vehicles and installation of charging points as well as the factors potentially holding back progress, it said the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate will be the biggest factor in helping ensure an increase in charge points.

Against this has been some uncertainty over the level of future demand for electric vehicles, while other possible problems included a lack of access to electrical connections, exclusivity deals at motorway service stations (although these are set to be reviewed) and the inaction of some local authorities.

The last point is particularly important. While praising successful, forward-thinking councils like Coventry, it stated: “A lack of political will within some local authorities, combined with a lack of relevant technical expertise, can result in poor network growth in some areas.”

What that means is that ensuring an adequate number of EV charging stations in Manchester will be dependent to an extent on the actions of the local authority, although like many big cities it will have a greater imperative to support greener transport due to the greater level of traffic pollution it needs to combat.

A further finding of the research that may be particularly effective in generating demand for electric vehicles is cost. The study found that at a rate of 68.7p/kWh, the cost of running a vehicle will be less than a petrol or diesel car, with seven out of ten existing charging points actually being cheaper than this. These include the costs of the four largest EV charger providers.

Commenting on the findings, New AutoMotive’s research and policy officer Ciara Cook said: “This report represents the most comprehensive examination thus far carried out on the UK’s fledgling charging infrastructure industry. The findings are reassuring, especially given recent concerns around the rate of network growth.”

While acknowledging there are “teething problems” with the rollout of EV chargers, progress is still “adequate”, she stressed, but added: “The government can speed up the rate of the network’s growth by addressing the barriers identified in this report.”

As well as tackling uncertainties over demand for electric vehicles, Ms Cook called the upcoming ZEV mandate the “most powerful tool at the government’s disposal”.

New AutoMotive’s most recent data on the take-up of electric vehicles has been positive. Its December 2022 figures capped the most popular year to date for them, with these accounting for over a third of new vehicles bought, a total of 39,780 for the month. Meanwhile, petrol cars dropped below a 40 per cent market share for the first time.

Chief executive Officer of New AutoMotive Ben Nelmes called the figures “seriously impressive”.

Notably, the north west was one of the hotspots for EV adoption, with 28 per cent of cars in the Manchester and Merseyside regions being electric.