Tag: electric vehicles

Two out of three drivers won’t go electric unless ‘absolutely necessary’

As the cost-of-living rockets, price comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk asked consumers how they really feel about electric versus fossil fuel cars (petrol/diesel) and which they found most cost effective. 

The new survey reveals that 59.3% of petrol/diesel drivers will only consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle ‘when I absolutely have to’.  26.2% said they would buy ‘within the next 5 years’, 10.3% said they would ‘buy now / as soon as is feasibly possible’ and only 4.3% said they’d buy ‘just before the deadline’ – 2030, when the government plan on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.  

The research also found that the main barrier that is stopping people from buying an electric car is the price, with 35.7% of drivers saying they are too expensive, followed by 20% of people who said range anxiety was a major concern, while worries about the availability of public charging points were cited as an issue by 19.3% of respondents. 

Interestingly though, 57.8% of those with electric cars said they were saving over £100 per month compared to their previous fossil fuel vehicle – with 36.6% saving under £100 per month.  Only 5.6% didn’t believe they were making savings.  

When electric vehicle owners were asked what they didn’t like about their cars, 24.8% said there weren’t enough readily available charging points, followed by range anxiety (20%), broken charging points (19%) and rising energy costs (18%).  

The data, compiled by Quotezone.co.uk, was taken from a survey of 500 electric and petrol / diesel car insurance policyholders, completed in August 2022.  

Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder, Greg Wilson, comments: “It’s really interesting to see what’s holding people back from going electric and again, lack of infrastructure and car price, appear to be the top offenders that are making it impractical for many to make the switch.   

“The hike in car prices is most likely due to the new car shortage, brought about by lack of materials and logistical issues across Europe, causing a spike in shoppers choosing ‘nearly new’ second-hand petrol cars.  

“One positive point to bear in mind for those worried about costs is that electric car insurance is now more readily available as the majority of insurance providers have added electric cars to their offering – making it easier for consumers to shop around and get a competitive premium.”   

Currently only 2% of cars are hybrid and 3% are electric in the UK.  Data from Quotezone.co.uk shows a small increase in customers with electric or hybrid cars of 0.2% from June 2021 compared to June 2022 – with the average cost of those electric vehicles increasing by £5k from £34,000 to £39,000. 

The government has been increasing investment in charging points, including grants for motorists, as well as tax relief to help make electric vehicles more affordable.   

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including electric car insurance, Tesla car insurance and standard car insurance.

Quotezone.co.uk is recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk. 

Green Home Festivalgoers to arrive in style  

Visitors to an upcoming show at the Green Home Festival will be travelling in all-electric style thanks to a partnership with Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz.

Festival organisers have teamed up with the auto experts to lay on electric vans for the Improving energy efficiency show on Wednesday 10 August.

Delegates will be ferried from the centre of Edinburgh to the show’s Murrayburn venue in a state-of the-art eVito Tourer, then bussed back afterwards.

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We are grateful to Western Commercial for this extremely generous gesture which is perfectly in keeping with the aims and spirit of the Green Home Festival.

“This is the perfect demonstration of low-carbon innovation in action and will add to the delegates’ experience of green living and the technology of tomorrow.”

Simon Murray, Van Sales Director at Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz, said: “We were only too happy to offer our services to the Green Home Festival and let delegates experience the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) for themselves.

“We are excited about the possibilities that EVs bring to all our lives and we are delighted to be able to make the journey a green one for those attending the show in Murrayburn.”

The show will see A.C. Whyte & Co Ltd take visitors around a site where they are currently regenerating 29 blocks of four-storey flats for the City of Edinburgh Council.

Visitors will see how the contractor has delivered upgrades, learn how the project helped reduce heating costs, and learn what a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency means.

The show is one of 12 events for the Green Home Festival which has been organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Festival will be opened tomorrow (Monday 8 August) by Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie.

The event will deliver a range of shows including:

·          Demystifying heat pumps – afascinating demonstration of the future of home heating and what kind of homes it’s suitable for

·          Protecting against floods –  flooding and its impact on people and buildings and how to access support and resources to protect your property

·          Hitting the road with EVs – what to consider when choosing an EV, current models and how to go about installing an EV charge point at your home

·          Retrofitting a tenement – how renewable renovations can reduce heating costs and cut carbon emissions in Scotland’s traditional buildings

·          Living safely in the future – the potential dangers of the domestic gadgets of tomorrow – and how we can ensure our high-tech homes are safe to live in.

Live sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with six other sessions available online via webinar.

Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.

Bridgestone survey: Scottish motorists charging towards EV travel

A survey of 200 motorists by Bridgestone has confirmed that Scottish consumers are beginning to accelerate towards electric vehicle travel, with 70% preparing to ditch their petrol and diesel cars for good. 

The UK YouGov survey commissioned by Bridgestone confirms that transition is in the air, with over two-thirds stating that they’ll make the change and will not be keeping a standard vehicle (petrol/diesel) alongside it when they do. 

The research confirmed that the majority see and acknowledge the benefits of EV travel, with  

  • 62% citing environmental positives and 
  • 48% looking forward to making fuel savings. A further 23% reference tax benefits as a reason for the switch and  
  • 7% are looking forward to a reduction in noise emissions as their primary reason. 

In addition,  

  • 41% are keen to know more about EV maintenance and how it differs to standard makes and models. 

Bridgestone has already developed its tyre technology to ensure that EVs can travel further between charges whilst prolonging battery life, and has also committed to install up to 3,500 new charging points across Europe over the next five years through a partnership with EV Box, with plans for the first of the EV Box roll-out in the UK set to be announced soon. 

Bridgestone’s ENLITEN Technology, reduces the rolling resistance of a tyre by up to 30%, and weight by up to 20%.  It extends the driving range of EVs and also contributes to reducing environmental impact thanks to improved resource productivity.

This not only ensures that less raw materials are used to manufacture the tyres, but also contributes to the reduced rolling resistance, meaning electric vehicles can do more miles per range and be recharged less. 

And its TECHSYN technology extends the designed lifespan of a tyre by up to 30 per cent3. As a result, TECHSYN reduces overall fuel consumption and CO2 emissions5, enhances tread mileage6 to extend a tyre’s designed life and cuts raw material consumption in the long term. 

The YouGov survey also suggests that Scottish motorists are well informed on changes ahead, with  

  • 58% aware that all new car sales must be zero emission by 2035.  
  • Of that figure, 23% are keen to see this target brought forward to 2030.  
  • 27% would also like to learn new driving tips to help them get more from their electric vehicle. 

Bridgestone North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti said the results offered further justification for the company’s commitment to EV travel: “We are investing in our mobility solutions like never before, with new products, charging points and training in place for the full integration of EV travel. 

“With this in mind, it is great to see that Scottish motorists are also on board with the technology and the huge changes that are beginning to be seen. Our original tyre fitments specifically engineered for EVs will reach 20% of our overall portfolio by 2024. 

“We are investing to make electric mobility more efficient and accessible by pioneering premium tyres and tyre technologies for EVs and dedicated fleet and mobility solutions. We’re also partnering with leading EV manufacturers and developing an EV-ready retail and service network.” 

“The survey tells me that we’re all moving in the same direction when it comes to EV travel and we’ll continue to push the boundaries to ensure that Bridgestone is a pioneering company in this area of mobility solutions.” 

Scotland leads way in switch to green motoring

Scotland is at the forefront of the country’s switch to greener motoring according to new figures from the Department for Transport.

The figures reveal that from 1 October 2021 to 1 January, Scotland had the highest ratio of publicly accessible rapid charging points for electric vehicles with 12.9 devices per 100,000 residents.

Following Scotland are the South East and North East with 8.6 devices per 100,000 population. The average across all regions was 7.7 per 100,000.

After London with 102 charging devices per 100,000 residents, Scotland had the best accessibility to public (non-rapid) charging points with 52 for every 100,000. The national average is 42 devices per 100,000.

Nationwide, new charging points for public use went up by 9% in the three months to 1 January. There are now 2,448 more available charging devices across the country. Publicly accessible rapid charging devices increased by 233, a 5% rise over the same time period.

This brings the total of publicly accessible charging points nationwide to 28,375, of which 5156 are rapid charging devices.

Greg Wilson, founder of www.quotezone.co.uk’s comments: “It’s likely that Scottish drivers, like those across other parts of the country, are nervous that the 2030 deadline for car dealerships to cease selling new fossil fuel vehicles isn’t that far off and that the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles isn’t ready.

“But this boost in activity in the last three months in Scotland, building on an already established upward trend, is reassuring. 

“Let’s hope this pace continues so that Scottish drivers feel the electric option is a valid one, and that barriers to the green motoring revolution such as ‘range fear’ are a thing of the past, with a wide and evenly distributed network of rapid charge and electric charging facilities.”

Tanya Sinclair, Policy Director UK & Ireland at ChargePoint, said: “We welcome the Scottish government’s commitment over the next four years to invest in charging points across the country.

“The investment goes further than just a cash boost and is specifically designed to attract private investment in EV charging, which is what makes this investment really positive for the EV charging sector. In contrast, funds in England are channelled to local authorities who are resource constrained and shouldn’t be expected to provide EV charging on top of the essential services we rely on them for.

“To increase the overall adoption of EVs in the UK, we would encourage the other devolved nations to follow Scotland’s lead to help increase the amount of chargers. The government has earmarked money to solve the issue of rural charging infrastructure but it has not yet been spent.

“Along with this funding, the UK government must also drive the installation of charging stations, as it is vital that chargers are easily accessible throughout the country, not just big cities.

“As well as  increased investment in on-street electric car charging, the government must also focus on helping key charging locations such as workplaces electrify in a cost effective manner.

“This needs to be  done quickly but correctly – it’s not just about needing a large concentration of charging stations but the speed, location, ease of use and incentives need to be carefully considered.“

Recommended by 97% of reviewers, Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including electric car insurance -recommended by 97% of reviewers.

Electric Kia EV6 crowned What Car? Car of the Year

  • Brilliant EV6 voted best car for 2022, offering 328 miles of range, super-fast charging capability, space, refinement and class-leading warranty
  • Victory marks breakthrough Korean manufacturer’s second overall win at the Awards, known as the UK’s motoring Oscars, in past four years
  • What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2022 in association with MotorEasy held at Grosvenor House hotel in London’s Mayfair
  • BMW takes the most class wins with five victories; Ford wins awards for best small SUV and best performance SUV; Tesla Model 3 is best large electric car
  • To find out more, visit: www.whatcar.com/awards

The Kia EV6 electric car has been crowned What Car? Car of the Year 2022. Its victory was announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, with the awards held in association with MotorEasy.

It is the second time Kia has won the overall What Car? Car of the Year Award – and the second time it has won with a new electric car, having taken its maiden victory in 2019 with the Kia e-Niro.

Underlining the breakthrough progress enjoyed by Kia in the electric era, it is only the third non-European manufacturer to win the top prize at the What Car? Awards, which began in 1978.

The Kia EV6 stood out for setting new benchmarks for electric cars, offering an official range of 328 miles, and managing 224 miles on a charge when What Car?’s testers ran it in near worst-case low temperature conditions. It is also capable of super-fast, 800V charging, with its battery capable of going from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes.

In addition, the EV6 earned praise from the judges for being hugely spacious, very refined even by electric car standards and for being sold with the reassurance of a standard-setting seven-year warranty.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford said: “Once again, Kia has set a new benchmark for an electric vehicle. The EV6 is a terrific all-rounder that answers electric car buyers’ questions around range and charging times brilliantly, and which offers terrific space, refinement and value for money.

“Kia’s progress has long been impressive, but it is the way that it has seized the opportunity offered by the transition to electric cars that has made it a leader in the market. Coming hot on the heels of its victory with the e-Niro in 2019, this Car of the Year win cements its position alongside Tesla as one of the most exciting electric car makers on the planet.”

Kia UK President and CEO Paul Philpott added: “It’s a great honour for Kia to win Car of the Year at this year’s What Car? Awards, particularly given the high regard with which they are held by customers across the UK.

“The EV6 is a truly exceptional car and it’s just the beginning of things to come from Kia on our rapid journey to electrification. This is tangible recognition that Kia is fast becoming a true leader in electric vehicles having also won this award with e-Niro in 2019.”

Other big winners on the night included BMW, which recorded an amazing five category victories. It won the prizes for the best Luxury SUV (with the BMW X5),  Executive car (BMW 3 Series), Luxury car (BMW 5 Series), Coupé (BMW 4 Series) and Convertible (BMW 4 Series Convertible).

Ford was the next most successful manufacturer, with three category wins: Small SUV, sponsored by Solera cap hpi, (Ford Puma), Sports SUV (Ford Puma ST) and Pick-up (Ford Ranger). Tesla was also a notable winner after recording a record-breaking year for sales, taking the Large Electric Car category, sponsored by Ohme, with its Model 3.

What Car Car of the Year Awards 2022 in association with MotorEasy

OVERALL WINNER
Car of the Year: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line

CATEGORY WINNERS
Small car: Honda Jazz SR
Family car: Seat Leon 1.5 TSI 130 Evo FR
Small SUV, sponsored by Solera cap hpi: Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost Hybrid (mHEV)
Family SUV, sponsored by MotorEasy: Volvo XC40 Recharge T4 Plus (Dark Theme)
Electric SUV: Kia EV6 RWD GT-Line
Large SUV, sponsored by Quotezone: Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD Premium
Luxury SUV: BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport
Sports SUV: Ford Puma ST 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack
Hybrid (plug-in): Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport Premium Plus Pack
Small electric car, sponsored by Ohme: Cupra Born 58kWh V2
Large electric car, sponsored by Ohme: Tesla Model 3 Long Range
Executive car: BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Luxury car: BMW 5 Series 530e M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Estate: Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDI 150 SEL
MPV: Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI 150 SE
Pick-up: Ford Ranger 2.0L EcoBlue 213PS Wildtrack auto
Hot hatch: Mercedes-AMG A45 S Plus
Performance car: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S
Coupé: BMW 4 Series 420i M Sport (M Sport Pro Package) 
Convertible: BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i (M Sport Pro Package)
Sports car: Porsche Cayman GTS 

SPECIAL AWARDS
Reliability Award, in association with MotorEasy: Lexus
True MPG Award: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 petrol hybrid
Innovation Award, in association with Thatcham Research: Gridserve
Safety Award, in association with Thatcham Research: Nissan Qashqai
Tow Car Award, in association with the Camping and Caravanning Club: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi 3 DCT
Reader Award: Range Rover

Scottish electric vehicle registrations up 75% in a year

Ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) registrations across Scotland shot up by 75% between July-September compared to the same time a year before.

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) figures show that at the end of September, 38,600 vehicles belonged to Scottish residents, up from 22,100 for July-September 2020.

The data shows the longer-term pace of moving to electric vehicles went-up by 50% from Q3 2019 to Q3 2020.

North Lanarkshire – 104%, Shetland Islands – 98% – and Stirling – 93% – had the strongest take-up of electric vehicles. The lowest ULEV registration growth was in the Orkney Islands – 22% – and Na h-Eileanan Siar – 46% – with all other local authorities posting rises over of 50% for electric car ownership.   

Across Great Britain ULEV registrations hit 40%, with ULEVs making up 15.3% of all new registrations in the third quarter, some 83,000 vehicles.

More battery electric cars (BEV) – 51,000 – were registered for the first time than diesel cars -35,000 units. This followed a 44% increase in BEV car registrations in Q3 2021 than the same period a year before.

Petrol car registrations fell 41% and diesel by 66%. Average CO2 emissions for cars registered for the first time in the UK went down by 14%.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, a leading insurance comparison website, comments: “Scottish motorists are firmly at the forefront of the green industrial revolution when it comes to motoring.

“Government initiatives such as more public charging points and more home charging grants can only fuel Scottish electric vehicle registration growth over this year.”

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including electric car insurance, helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products. Recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk. 

FedEx moves to lower Edinburgh and Glasgow carbon emissions with e-cargo bike fleet

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, has introduced a fleet of seven e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

As the company sets out to reduce emissions from its road transportation operations, the introduction of cargo bikes in urban centres is one way FedEx is seeking to make an immediate impact on carbon emissions.

FedEx successfully introduced e-cargo bikes to its permanent operations in London, where they have replaced diesel vehicles for serving emissions restricted zones. Edinburgh and Glasgow – cities with a strong cycling culture – become the next UK cities to welcome this method of zero emissions delivery. 

Alun Cornish, FedEx operations managing director in Europe, said: “Electric cargo bikes will fulfill a sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and round Edinburgh and Glasgow City Centres.

“Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes. We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorised vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.” 

FedEx aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040 with electrification of its pick-up and delivery vehicles being a major area of investment.

In March 2021, FedEx announced its global target for 50% of all newly procured vehicles to be electric by 2025 rising to 100% of all new purchases by 2030.

The roll out of e-cargo bikes is tipped to continue in UK cities beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow, alongside the transition to fully electric vehicles. The sustainability benefits of delivering goods by e-cargo bike include not only reduced carbon emissions but also reduced congestion and noise.

Bicycle couriers can also make use of existing road infrastructure, such as bicycle and bus lanes, and are able to find kerbside parking more easily than vans – particularly in hard to access areas.

The implementation of e-cargo bikes to operations in Edinburgh and Glasgow promotes the livability of dense urban areas as demand for deliveries continues to rise alongside the need to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation.

Peter Vardy to partner with Zoom EV to aid buyers switching to EV

Peter Vardy, has become the first Scottish automotive dealership group to enter a partnership with electric vehicle specialist, Zoom EV, to provide customers with a bundle of services and benefits that simplifies their switch to electric vehicles (EV).

Peter Vardy Group, established in 2006, is a family-run business with 15 dealerships at sites across Scotland, which include 8 dedicated used car supermarkets trading under the Peter Vardy CARZ brand.

Customers who buy a plug-in hybrid or fully electric car from a CARZ store, will gain access to a suite of discounts as part of Peter Vardy’s EV Benefits Bundle, as well as support from Zoom EV’s expert team.

Benefits include discounted access to industry leading public charging networks, smart home charging units, EV home energy tariffs and accident management services.

Ed Carpenter, Director of Electric Vehicles at Peter Vardy said: “We are delighted to partner with Zoom EV to further progress our ambition of becoming Scotland’s go-to dealer group for purchasing new and pre-owned electric vehicles.

“We understand that transitioning from a conventional car to an EV can be a daunting experience for some motorists and our teams are often faced with questions around charging an electric car.

“With Zoom EV’s support, the Peter Vardy EV Benefits Bundle will mitigate these concerns, providing our customers with bespoke services to make their EV ownership experience enjoyable and hassle-free.

“As the climate crisis continues to become more apparent, we are proud to be encouraging EV use in the UK and excited to be on this electric journey with Zoom EV.”

Greg Fairbotham, CEO at Zoom EV, said: “We know from our work in the auto-dealer sector that supporting the transition process is critical in customers’ decisions to go electric.

“We are committed to making the switch as easy as possible by ensuring easy access to the essential services needed to own an electric vehicle, whilst also saving customers money. Our concierge-style service gives customers reassurance and a helping hand as they transition to electric.

“Peter Vardy is proactively driving the adoption of electric vehicles across Scotland, and the EV Benefits Bundle is a fantastic way to encourage drivers to make the decision to go electric. We are excited to be working with them.”

For more information contact Peter Vardy Group on 0333 456 0505 or Zoom EV at membersupport@zoom-ev.com.

Consumers divided over electric vehicle revolution, Which? reveals

Older consumers, those on low incomes and rural households will need more support to switch to electric vehicles due to concerns about affordability, range and the UK’s charging infrastructure, new Which? research has found.

Electric car ownership has soared in the last few years and, with the government’s ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles looming, motorists are being encouraged to consider switching. However, Which? found there are stark contrasts between different groups of consumers and how they view the transition to electric vehicles.

The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a critical aspect of the government’s net-zero strategy and will benefit consumers who want to lead more sustainable lives, while also potentially reducing their motoring costs.

A new Which? survey found that while two in five people (44%) are comfortable switching to electric vehicles, almost half (49%) are not. The consumer champion found seven in 10 (71%) 18-24-year-olds are comfortable switching to electric vehicles and around half (56%) of those aged between 18 and 39 said they intended to buy one in the future.

However, only a quarter of those aged 65 and above are comfortable switching (26%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (23%). More than half (52%) of respondents aged 65 and above do not intend to buy an electric vehicle in the future.

Urban dwellers are also more comfortable transitioning to electric vehicles than rural residents, with almost half (47%) of those living in urban areas open to switching and two-fifths (42%) planning to buy one. However, only a third of those living in rural areas felt comfortable switching (34%) or intend to buy an electric vehicle (36%).

Electric cars are currently more expensive to buy compared to petrol or diesel vehicles – a possible contributing factor to lower enthusiasm levels for switching among lower-income households.

The consumer champion found just a third of households (32%) on lower incomes (£21,000 and below) intend to make their next car an electric vehicle and two-fifths (41%) said they have no intention of buying one. This compares to more than half (57%) in more affluent households (more than £48,000) saying they would buy an electric car in the future and only a fifth (21%) saying they had no intention of buying one.

While the upfront cost of an electric car is one reason many people are reluctant to switch, the most common is related to perceptions about inferior performance. Two in five (44%) said concerns about battery range put them off switching to an electric vehicle, while a third (34%) cited the upfront cost.

The UK’s charging infrastructure is also a concern for motorists, with a third (33%) stating they are put off buying an electric car as they are worried about accessing charge points away from home or on long journeys.

In a market study published earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority suggested there needs to be a tenfold increase in the number of charge points across the UK by 2030 and that more needs to be done to address the “postcode lottery” of finding a charge point.

The UK government and Ofgem, the energy regulator, have pledged to invest millions of pounds to expand Britain’s public charging network. While Which? supports this move, it also believes the current infrastructure is difficult to navigate, disjointed and must be overhauled to ensure motorists have easy and convenient access to the charge points they need, wherever they live in the UK.

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Consumer Rights and Food Policy, said: “The mass adoption of electric vehicles is a key element of the government’s net-zero strategy, but while some consumers are ready to switch, our research shows older consumers and those from lower-income or rural households are less inclined to embrace the electric car revolution.

“It is vital that action is taken to address significant barriers including concerns about battery range, cost and the UK’s charging infrastructure that could deter motorists from switching to electric vehicles. Consumers also need more support to ensure they can make the decision to buy an electric car.”

Charging Ahead: Morrisons to expand largest network of ultra-fast electric car charging points

– Morrisons has more rapid charging points for electric vehicles than any UK supermarket –

– Electric cars are charged six times more quickly than standard charging points used at other supermarkets –

– Morrisons will expand to a further 100 locations in the next twelve months –

– Its charging network has already saved 2,000 tonnes of carbon to date –

Morrisons is expanding the UK’s largest supermarket network of ‘next generation’ rapid electric charging points for electric vehicles, allowing customers to charge the majority of cars from flat to full battery in under 45 minutes. 

Over the next twelve months Morrisons will add an additional 100 rapid chargers to its network. Having recently installed its 200th GeniePoint rapid charge point, Morrisons has also saved 2,000 tonnes of carbon along the way.  The network now provides full coverage in both England and Wales, spanning from Redruth in the tip of Cornwall to Amble in the North East of England. A roll out in Scotland will begin this month. 

Morrisons ‘next generation’ rapid chargers can charge an electric car up to six times quicker than standard charging points used by other supermarkets.

They will enable customers to charge their car up even during a short shopping trip or a quick visit to a Morrisons Cafe. A typical 30-40  minute charge will give drivers up to 100 miles of travel range. Over the course of the summer, Morrisons is expecting to serve over half a million kilowatt hours of green energy,  as more families travel during their summer holidays in the UK.

Morrisons partnership with EQUANS means that customers will never be more than 50 miles from a rapid charger. The GeniePoint charging points have been located around the perimeter of Morrisons car parks to ensure they are available to those who need them and not obstructed by other customers.

Andrew Ball, Fuel & Services Manager of Morrisons, said: “We know customers don’t want to spend hours waiting for their cars to charge, which is why we’ve made the decision to install the next generation of rapid chargers.

“It’s important that we continue to offer our customers the convenience of charging their EVs as they shop or eat with us. This summer, whether they’re hitting the coast or visiting the beautiful countryside, customers can take comfort in knowing they are always close to one of our charging points.”

All of the electricity used for charging will come from zero-carbon energy sources like wind and solar.

Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that there are more than   450,000 EVs on UK roads, of which approximately 50% are battery operated vehicles*.

Demand for reliable, rapid electric vehicle charging facilities is growing and drivers want to see chargers situated at convenient locations where their vehicles can be charged whilst they carry on with their day-to-day activities.

Morrisons customers can register to use the GeniePoint chargers via the web app www.geniepoint.co.uk, which is free to join. There is no monthly fee and drivers only pay for the electricity they use which costs 35-39p per kW hour. Customers can also pay for a charge via the GeniePoint App, available from the App Store or Google Play, or by RFID card.