Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 18 November 2016 to Question 53161, what steps he is taking to ensure that the electrical vehicle chargepoint network has the capacity to meet future demand; and if he will make a statement.

Distribution Network Operators forecast the likely uptake of plug-in electric vehicles, in discussion with Government, in order to shape their investment plans. The Government is also working with the industry on the potential for electric vehicle charging to flex to grid capacity as well as considering standards for responsive charging infrastructure.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has also issued a Call for Evidence on broader measures to ensure a smarter use of energy across sectors.

In terms of the size of the chargepoint network, the Autumn Statement announced further capital funding for low emission vehicles, including £80 million for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.