Range anxiety remains a major issue for most electric vehicle drivers, but the results of a new poll suggest that concerns could be alleviated with a simple change of colour from blue to green.
The AA asked more than 8,000 drivers what steps should be taken to update chargepoint signs across the public network and make them stand out – and 77% said using a green ‘P’ sign would have the most impact, replacing the traditional blue colour signs.
More than half (51%) of respondents said they would consider buying an EV in the future if chargers had totem pole pricing boards, as is the case at fuel forecourts.
And 52% said they supported charge point locations being included in built-in sat navs for petrol and diesel cars.
The government is on track to reach its target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, however respondents said that a figure around 380,000 by the same deadline would give them the confidence to change to an electric vehicle.
Chris Ashley, RHA senior policy lead, said: “Range anxiety continues to be an issue for many van operators.
“Clearer signage on where electric vehicle charging points are, and how much they cost to use, can help overcome these fears and boost the number of these vehicles on our roads.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said; “While it’s great to see charging infrastructure installed across the country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight.
“Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a green ‘P’ will help sign the way, highlight the network and give more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it seems a sensible upgrade to make.”
Chris Tindall started writing for the haulage and logistics industry in 2002 and quickly realised there was enough going on to keep him busy for a very long time.View full Profile
