At the UK Charging Infrastructure Symposium, Edmonds will take part in two panel discussions: “Collaborating for Growth: Aligning Government Support with Industry Needs” and “Destination Charging: Powering EV Confidence Beyond the Commute.” Together, the sessions will explore how policy, partnerships and user experience can unlock investment, improve accessibility, and ensure charging infrastructure works for everyone.

Why is this a pivotal moment for EV infrastructure in the UK?

“The EV transition has been accelerating rapidly over the past few years, driven in large part by Government targets and subsidies, but also by increasing engagement from drivers, who love their EVs. 95% of EV owners say they would recommend their cars to friends and family, which is a powerful endorsement that these cars can and do work for us all.

“However, we are approaching the most difficult part of the transition. Over nine in ten EV drivers have access to private charging, and the majority are high-income households. For those without driveways, for those on low and middle incomes, and for drivers with disabilities, switching to electric is not yet always a viable choice. And that must change if we want a successful and sustainable transition. That is not just about meeting targets, but about developing a sector that is accessible to everyone, no matter their personal circumstances.”

Where are the biggest gaps between government policy and industry needs?

“The needs of the charging industry, and both local and national Government policy to support and ultimately regulate that industry, must be driven by the needs of drivers. Drivers expect, and deserve, a seamless, affordable and easy charging experience, and without drivers choosing and enjoying electric, the sector cannot develop at the pace needed.

“At-home, or private, charging works well for many current EV drivers, but it is not an option for around 40% of households. Government support has focused on funding charge point installation and we now have record numbers of public charge points, nearly 89,000, which is huge. But we need to make sure these chargers are where EV drivers need them to be, that they are accessible to everyone, particularly those with disabilities, and that they are affordable.

“Public charging prices are at an all-time high and, with the price gap between home and public charging being as much as 70p per kWh, and often higher than it costs to run a petrol or diesel car, it is hard to make the case to someone without access to home charging that this transition will work for them.

“This ‘charging divide’ has been well recognised. National Government has put its support behind cross-pavement solutions and workplace charging and has launched a Public Charging Review aiming to bring down the costs of installing and operating public charging. We now need to make sure that review delivers lower prices for drivers on the ground.”

What regulatory or funding changes would most accelerate infrastructure rollout?

“‘Red tape’ is often cited as a burden for infrastructure, but it is ultimately there to protect the consumer and ensure a thriving industry that delivers a minimum level of service to its customers. You only need to look at what has been happening with the water companies to understand what can go wrong when consumers lose those protections.

“Right now, we have a set of public charge point regulations designed to make sure public charge points work, that we understand what price we are paying, and that we do not need multiple apps to access them. However, while nearly 70% of drivers believe the network has improved in the past year, too many of us are still experiencing real frustrations with chargers that will not work, poor connection speeds, opaque pricing and payment processes, and real accessibility issues.

“Charging needs to be as easy as pulling up to a petrol pump. And we need a proper regulatory regime, appropriately monitored and enforced, to make sure that is the case.”

How can government and industry work together more effectively to unlock investment and deployment?

“The needs of drivers must sit at the heart of collaboration. National government needs to build on the existing public charging regulations to make sure that the regulatory regime behind the industry is affordable, fit for purpose, protects the consumer and ensures the roll-out of a thriving sector that works for us. Local government needs to play its part in removing barriers to roll-out, ensuring timely planning approvals and ending objections to technologies that will genuinely help more households access affordable charging, such as cross-pavement solutions. Industry, in turn, must ensure charge points are delivered in the places drivers need them, are accessible to all, and are easy to use.”

What makes a destination charging location successful for drivers and businesses?

“One of the many benefits of driving electric is that these cars can fit really well into people’s lives. Being able to charge at your destination, whether that is while you are on holiday or going about your daily routines, is easy, and it is also an opportunity for those without access to home charging to benefit from what should be slower, cheaper and more accessible charge points. Yet destination charging is one of the use cases where various barriers to roll-out converge. For destinations in urban areas, cost, planning and space issues persist, as well as local public acceptance. For rural locations, securing sufficient electricity supply to service a tourist destination can often be a barrier.

“So, while these are places where drivers need chargers, they can be some of the last to roll them out. More emphasis is needed on supporting destination businesses to install charging infrastructure, from local authorities responsible for granting planning permission to action from Government and regulators to ensure local grid connections and funding streams are in place. And of course, industry, in turn, must take the opportunity to build a network of charge points that work and are easy to use and accessible for all of us.”

How important is user experience in building EV confidence beyond the commute?

“The user experience is paramount. Consumers no longer fully trust the regulated media, government or business when it comes to purchasing decisions. They rely on friends and family, and word of mouth, particularly through social media. Our surveys show that 40% of non-EV drivers are still sceptical that EVs will work for them. Our experience as EV drivers therefore really matters. We need to find EVs easy and affordable to use, and the more positive experiences we have, the more those positive stories will proliferate and persuade other drivers to make the transition.

“This will require wide, cross-sector collaboration. National government needs to build on the existing public charging regulations to ensure the regime is affordable, fit for purpose and protects the consumer. Local government needs to remove barriers to roll-out. Industry needs to ensure charge points are delivered where drivers need them, are accessible to all, and are easy to use.”

What key takeaway should delegates apply to their own projects?

“Above all, think about what the driver needs: where they need chargers, how much they can afford to pay, whether they can truly access them and whether they are easy to use. If we can get this right for the driver, if we can make sure it works for them, the rest will follow.”

The UK Charging Infrastructure Symposium will take place on 4-5 March 2026 at the British Motor Museum. Book your delegate pass today by clicking here.