A survey from Venson Automotive Solutions suggests that drivers would be more likely to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) if they had access to a 30-minute charge at an electric forecourt. More than two-thirds (68%) of survey participants responded in this way.
The survey follows the opening of the first EV charging forecourt in Braintree, Essex recently. Up to 36 cars at a time can make use of the forecourt, provided by Gridserve, the sustainable energy company, which has plans to build 100 more sites in the coming five years. However, it expects far more sites will be needed.
More than three in five (63%) Venson survey respondents say they would like to see more investment in public charging points.
Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “This new style of forecourt, with rapid charging points and excellent amenities on site, are a glimpse into the future of sustainable travel for both consumer and commercial drivers.
“Alongside convenience stores, high-tech play areas and exercise bikes for visitors to enjoy, the new latest forecourt features comfortable ‘office pods’ to allow company car drivers to stay connected, have meetings and generally avoid down time while their vehicle charges”.
The Venson survey also confirms that company car drivers are keen to adopt EVs, with one in four calling for the Government to introduce new legislation to encourage businesses to move to fully electric company cars and commercial vehicles within the next five years.
Bell continued: “The expansion of the UK’s national charging network, ever-improving battery performance and the falling cost of EVs are helping to make the technology an increasingly popular choice for fleets”.
