EV charge point locations too hard to find, say drivers

Electric vehicle charge point locations must be made much more visible as a matter of urgency, enabling the growing number of EV drivers to find them.

EVA Scotland is receiving a growing number of complaints and enquiries about a lack of proper signposting of charge point locations

The Electrical Vehicle Association Scotland has said it’s receiving a growing number of complaints and enquiries about a lack of proper signposting of charge point locations.

And it’s calling on local authorities and private providers throughout Scotland to address this.

EVA Scotland director Neil MacLennan said: “It is clear that EV owners are finding it difficult to locate exactly where many charge points are situated…. An app and a map on a mobile phone are not enough. It should not be assumed that all EV owners have mobile phones or internet access and, therefore, clear and accurate signage on roads approaching charge points and stations is essential.”

He continued: “The Scottish government, in its recent ‘Vision’ statement, promised to vastly increase the number of charge points across the country but all of these need to be properly signposted to help drivers find them while on the road.

“Currently there are over 2,500 EV charge points installed across Scotland and the numbers are increasing at a rate of approximately 400 every month. This is encouraging, however these must be accurately signposted.”

The association added that it welcomed the efforts of Transport Scotland, local authorities and private EV charge point providers to accelerate their installation programmes.

But MacLennan stressed: “It is essential that adequate on-the-road signage is put in place for every charge point in every location throughout Scotland. We will be having discussion with Scotland’s local authorities and charge point operators on this issue.”

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.