The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has asked the Government to classify EV charging maintenance personnel as key workers, backed by new research showing how the public charging network is helping to keep key workers moving.

The REA said it’s vital that the public has access to operational public charge points during the pandemic

A survey by Zap-Map in partnership with the REA, based on data from more than 3,000 EV users, found 83% of users are still reliant on their EV for essential travel and almost three in 10 (29%) are still using the public and manufacturer-owned charging network.

This increases when looking at key workers, with just under half (47%) reliant on the public charging network; down from the figure of over 90% pre-coronavirus but still showing how vital the charging infrastructure continues to be for many EV drivers.

The research also found 21% of users reported experiencing some issues with chargers; an increase on normal reporting rates. This number increased to 28% amongst key workers, most likely due to this group utilising the infrastructure more frequently. The two key lockdown-related issues cited are either delays to chargers being repaired and inaccessibility of charge points where a site has been closed or is now behind a barrier.

Zap-Map’s own research has found 430 of the 18,000-plus charging points in the UK – equivalent to 2% – have been identified as temporarily non-accessible due to lockdown measures.

Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the REA, said: “The data shows just how robust and reliable EVs and the public and manufacturer-owned charging networks are, even in the midst of a global pandemic. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the industry who keep the networks running.

“With the lockdown set to continue it is important that the public has access to publicly-owned and operational charge points. We are committed to working with OLEV to ensure any problems are identified as quickly as possible.”