Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their target for the number of (1) electric vehicles, (2) electric vehicle charging points, and (3) rapid charging points in the UK by (a) 2020, (b) 2030, (c) 2040, and (d) 2050.

The Government’s vision is to have one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world but has not set targets for the number of chargepoints. We want to encourage and leverage private sector investment to build and operate a self-sustaining public network supported by the right policy framework. In many cases, the market is better-placed than the Government to identify the right locations for chargepoints and it is essential that viable commercial models are in place to ensure continued maintenance and improvements to the network. Highways England has a commitment of £15m to ensure there are chargepoints (rapid where possible) every 20 miles on 95% of the Strategic Road Network by 2020. The Government’s grant schemes to support chargepoint infrastructure at homes, workplaces and residential streets, alongside our £400m public-private Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund will see thousands more chargepoints installed across the UK.

The Government is technology neutral, but recognises that the vast majority of vehicle manufacturer plans include plug-in battery powertrains. As set out in the Road to Zero strategy, the Government is also playing a role in supporting the development of the UK’s hydrogen refuelling network.