The rise of cheaper electric vehicles (EVs) presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly for residents in areas lacking adequate charging infrastructure. While lower prices make EVs more accessible, many potential buyers find themselves in "charge-point blackspots," where the absence of charging stations limits the practicality of owning an electric car. This blog post explores whether these affordable EVs truly offer a viable solution or if they inadvertently create a dilemma for those living in regions with insufficient charging options. We will delve into the implications for consumers, the environment, and the future of electric mobility.


Experts have cautioned that millions of Britons who live in "charging-point deserts" may not be able to take advantage of the declining costs of electric vehicles.

In the UK, the quantity of public charging stations for electric cars increased by about 50% in the previous year as the country was ready to outlaw the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars.

It will now be implemented in 2030, five years ahead of schedule compared to the Conservatives' original plan. This is due to the change in government.

Although EV owners will benefit from the additional charging stations, the government's own climate change expert noted that considerably more must be installed to meet targets if electric vehicles are to lead the push toward net zero emissions.

Large portions of the nation are "charging point deserts," with a disproportionate number of charging stations located in London.

Thus, no other city has even half as many points as London, where there are 233 points for every 100,000 population. There are only 56 per 100,000 in the Yorkshire and Humber region and only 32 in Northern Ireland, according to fresh data released this week by the Office of Zero Emissions Vehicles.

Furthermore, the number of public charging stations in the UK is significantly too low, with only 64,632 available nationwide compared to the government's 2030 target of 300,000.

The data also reveal a gap between town and country, with 83% of public charges located in towns, cities, and suburbs and only 7.5% in villages and the rural areas nearby.


According to Christian Brand, an Oxford University professor of transport, energy, and climate change, "the UK is making strides in expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, but there is a real risk of creating a postcode lottery where access to charging points varies significantly across regions and whether people live in flats and terraced housing or in homes with driveways."

Furthermore, there are sometimes fewer charging stations in remote locations, raising the possibility of charging deserts.

For the majority of residents in the areas with the lowest provision, the shortage of charging points will provide at least some challenges. However, the issue will be far worse for people who live in terraced homes or other types of housing without a driveway where they can park their cars and refuel.

This is a financial and practical drawback, as these households are unable to benefit from the significantly reduced cost of home charging.

Public charging stations can cost up to 20 times as much as private ones. They are located in retail establishments such as supermarkets, parking lots, gas stations, service stations, and residential streets.

"This is a serious matter," Professor Brand continued. "People in rural and less affluent urban areas may find it difficult to transition to electric vehicles without targeted investment and innovative solutions such as community charging hubs, kerb side charging, and affordable fast charging across the country."

He estimates that this decade, there would be "millions" of people who will find it difficult to convert to electric vehicles due to a lack of public charging infrastructure.

"Meeting these inequalities immediately is imperative in guaranteeing a fair and efficient transition to an electric and environmentally sustainable future for individual mobility," continued Professor Brand, who is also the co-director of the UK Energy Research Centre consortium of schools.

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