The ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles: A Boyd Brothers view

Stephen Boyd, Commercial Director at Boyd Brothers - APSE’s EV Infrastructure Installation partner - shares his thoughts on today’s announcement bringing forward the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles across the UK to 2030, ten years earlier than the original date as part of the Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution..

What are your initial thoughts on today’s announcement?

It is a very exciting announcement, one that will not only enhance the UK’s desire to be one of the world’s leading renewable and sustainable countries but will also provide a much needed boost to the ‘Green Economy’.

How well is the UK set up at this moment to cater for existing demand for EV charging?

Whilst we have a large number of electric vehicle charge points already installed in the UK, the new announcements will provide additional demand quicker than was expected. There must be an increased focus to, not just install electric vehicle infrastructure but install more intelligent infrastructure.

This announcement will concentrate increased demand into the coming decade. How do you see the supply of charging infrastructure keeping up with this demand up to 2030?

As long as the infrastructure delivery is managed correctly, the UK is well positioned to cope with the suspected increased demand. We have some of the smartest technologies in the UK and by accelerating the deadline date, we will be able to showcase these quicker. 

What do you see as local authorities’ role in making EV charging infrastructure available in their localities?

Local authorities have a massive part to play, not only by increasing their own electric vehicle charging infrastructure but by collaborating with the private sector to ensure that we are positioned to meet the expected demand. The announcement today appears to show support from Government which will be welcomed by the local authorities. 

APSE Energy perspective

We agree that the funding is welcome and it reflects the fact that the Government is prioritising the green agenda in its Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. We know decarbonising heat and renewable generation are priorities alongside reducing emissions from transport. We have highlighted the relationship local authorities need to have with private suppliers to maximise the benefit for their local communities and economies and we will continue to share the good practice examples within the sector enabling the spread of experience and expertise across local government. There is a long way to go before we are all happy with the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles but it is one both central and local government must focus on over the coming decade.

For more information about how Boyd Brothers can help your local authority click here.