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A new framework is set to be published by Transport for the North (TfN) that sets out how local authorities and the private sector can meet the region’s needs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In a blog post, the sub-national transport authority highlighted the lack off a framework for charging infrastructure despite the planned phase-out of traditionally-fuelled vehicles as part of net-zero goals. TfN also identified challenges facing delivery of electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, including the potential piecemeal approach by local authorities acting independently, and the uncertainty facing private sector investors.
In the North of England, just two local authorities as of 2022 had delivered more that 60% of the public non-rapid charging points necessary by 2025 in order for the region to meet its decarbonisation goals. Stockport, despite boasting some of the highest rates of new electric vehicle registrations in the country, was among the worst performing areas in delivery of the necessary charging infrastructure to support, with neighbouring Manchester, Tameside and Cheshire East showing similar performance.
Once published, TfN’s new electric vehicle charging infrastructure aims to give the region the capacity to monitor and evaluate progress to ensure EV uptake across the region as part of monitoring of its net-zero trajectory. It will also improve the data available to investors and local authorities to respond to uncertainty in the electric vehicle market, including changes in travel preferences and uptake of new vehicles, in order to meet charging infrastructure needs in a rapidly changing environment.
A publication date for the framework has yet to be confirmed, however, TfN is also developing plans to deliver additional activities alongside it, to target key areas of priority and challenge already identified through its work with partners.