UK Electric Car Drivers Face Unprecedented Charging Delays

UK EV drivers may face 120-hour charging waits during holidays

Peak Holiday Season Expected to Increase Queue Times at Public Chargers

As the summer holiday season kicks off, UK electric car drivers may encounter unprecedented delays at public charging stations. According to research by ATS Euromaster, popular destinations like Cornwall, Devon, and North Wales are set to be busier than usual, with worst-case scenarios predicting up to 120 hours of waiting times for charging.

Surge in Charging Queue Times

The study reveals that, in addition to Cornwall, other hotspots such as the Cotswolds, Blackpool, and the Lake District could face potential queue times of up to 120 hours. Simon Waye, a technical support engineer at ATS Euromaster, advises drivers to charge their vehicles before embarking on trips and to be aware of the nearest charging points to maximize their holiday time.

Cost Implications of Charging

The warning highlights that at least 143,000 UK drivers relying on public charging spend an additional £92 to £138 each month compared to off-peak home charging. Paul Tomlinson of Cord points out that drivers are spending a cumulative £13.2 million more per month than necessary due to waiting times at public charging stations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UK needs to install more charging stations to alleviate the pressure on public chargers and enhance the convenience and efficiency of electric vehicle charging. Keeping residential charging prices low is essential to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. With the electric vehicle market growing, expanding the charging infrastructure is a critical step for the UK to achieve its green transportation goals.