Data company Zap-Map revealed that around 8,700 public electric vehicle chargers were put up throughout the UK last year, 2022. The national total is now estimated to be more than 37,000. Additionally, the growth rate per year now stands at over 30%, just a little below the 38% growth of EV sales last year.
While the UK is significantly expanding its EV charging infrastructure to accommodate an electric future, prospective buyers globally are seeking notable brands that have exemplified brilliance in electric mobility. For those in the United States, specifically around Texas, locating a reliable Volkswagen near me could lead you to Hiley Volkswagen, an esteemed dealership that provides an expansive range of electric and hybrid vehicles to choose from. They not only provide a wide selection but also ensure that buyers are equipped with all the necessary information and support to transition into the electric vehicle realm with confidence and ease.
The 2030 target of the UK government is to install 300,000 public EV chargers, right in time for the start of the ban on petrol and diesel vehicle sales.
Authorities believe that the increase is a good sign and an indication that the UK target will be met. For this to happen, though, there should be at least 19,000 installations per year beginning in 2025.
However, even if funding has already been set aside for the charging points rollout, many are still quite apprehensive that the goal will be achieved as some local authorities haven’t done anything significant yet. Others, meanwhile, have already been installing the chargers but the numbers aren’t enough. Nevertheless, installations may not be in the thousands yet but charging stations are now being set up one after the other. This flurry of activities has attracted significant brands such as Shell, BP, Instavolt, and Tesla.
A lot of work is involved in the installation of chargers because they also have to be set up in the right locations. Not all areas are ideal for charging points. This is why local and central governments need to work together smoothly.
According to Connected Kerb’s chief executive Christ Pateman-Jones, their company is prepared to install on-street chargers, around 190,000 of them, by the year 2030. This year, he added, will also see a significant rise in the number of chargers around the UK.
Last year’s holiday season drew in long lines for chargers as families and groups travelled long-distance to spend Christmas and New Year with relatives and friends. Travellers were able to benefit from the approximately 1,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers added right in time for the holidays.
Regular EV drivers are willing to spend premium amounts so they can enjoy faster, more efficient top-ups.
Why switch to EV?
EVs or electric vehicles are the safer alternatives to petrol and diesel-powered cars and vans. Here are some reasons why you should make the switch:
- EVs are easy to manage and running cost is lower than that of petrol and diesel vehicles.
- EVs have higher mileage – you can charge your EV overnight and you can use it right away in the morning.
- EVs will give you a relaxing, comfortable, and smooth ride.
- Best of all, EVs are emissions-free.
Vehicle emissions are major contributors to air pollution. Nitrogen oxide or NOx, the gas released by diesel vehicles, has adverse impacts on health and the environment. If you are exposed to NOx, you’ll experience several health conditions ranging from mild to serious ones. The most common impacts are depression and anxiety, dementia (due to reduced cognitive abilities), asthma, and respiratory illnesses such as emphysema and bronchitis.
Serious NOx emissions health impacts include vocal cords spasm, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death.
NOx produces acid rain and smog. It is also responsible for forming ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can weaken and kill vegetation, including crops.
Nitrogen oxide contains a combination of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Carmakers involved in the 2015 diesel emissions scandal are guilty of contributing to air pollution. The cheat device they installed in their diesel vehicles hid real emissions and made car owners believe they were driving clean and environmentally safe cars and vans. In reality, their vehicles emitted excessively high levels of NOx.
The Dieselgate scandal
US authorities notified the Volkswagen Group in September 2015 that their Audi and VW diesel-powered vehicles sold in the American market were equipped with defeat devices. The carmaker initially denied the allegations but officials soon admitted that they knew about the cheat devices. They were ordered to recall thousands of affected vehicles. They’ve also spent billions over the years for payoffs; i.e., fines, charges, and settlement fees.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Vauxhall, among many others, are also involved in the scam, which became known as the Dieselgate scandal.
A defeat device can detect when a vehicle is taken into the lab for testing and it automatically brings down emissions levels illegally to within the WHO or World Health Organization’s legal limits during the entirety of the test. Thus, the vehicle passes the test without any issues and is deemed ready for selling and driving. However, it is only emissions-compliant during testing.
Once the vehicle is out of the lab and driven in real-world road conditions, its emissions levels are incredibly high and excessive amounts of NOx are released into the air. Volkswagen and the other carmakers that used defeat devices mis-sold their vehicles and lied to customers. For this, authorities believe that they should be held liable.
You and other affected car owners can receive emission compensation if you bring your carmaker to court through a diesel claim.
When should I start my diesel claim?
Legal action against your carmaker should begin right after you verify your eligibility to file a claim. You can easily do this by checking out their website. They’ll provide you with the information you need to start your diesel claim.
