According to sales and business development director at Everun, Ross Moffett, the shortfall in EV charging infrastructure is having a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable members of society. He said many mobility car users are depending on the petrol or diesel part of their hybrid vehicles which has negated the purpose of make environmentally friendly cars available under motability schemes.
Mr Moffett said:
"A significant proportion of hybrid or electric vehicles in Northern Ireland are mobility cars, mainly used by those most in need within our community.
"However, the acute shortage of adequate EV charging infrastructure is a major concern. This deficit disproportionately affects people with mobility vehicles and those in densely populated areas who may not have personal driveways or parking facilities.
"This situation is far from the ideal we strive for in the renewable energy sector and raises serious concerns about equitable access to sustainable transportation."
Mr Moffett believes a "comprehensive and multifaceted strategy" is required to address this challenge and that the focus needs to extend beyond rapid ultra-fast chargers. He said: "For instance, hybrids are equipped with a type 2 charging which can take up to 11kw, meaning that the rapid chargers simply won't work.
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"More importantly, the location of these chargers is crucial – they should be situated in areas that offer comfort and amenities, particularly for those with disabilities."
Highlighting the cost of such utilities Mr Moffett stated: "With the cheapest electric vehicle models priced around £27,000, EVs remain out of reach for a significant portion of the population and the proportion of people who would be classed vulnerable that need to be able to access EV chargers is high, without any incentives or financial support available they remain in a situation where they may have a hybrid car but they are not able to use it in the way in which it was meant."
Everun has announced that it is addressing these challenges by developing innovative solutions such as combining solar panels with battery storage in housing or commercial developments to speed up the development of an infrastructure. Mr Moffett explained that this approach will allow "solar energy to charge the batteries, which in turn can charge cars". Although this solution will require investment from developers in the early stages of their projects.
For Everun, engagement with all stakeholders including government, industry, local communities, and individual citizens is absolutely essential to Northern Ireland meeting its 2030 goals and creating an EV charging network that doesn’t discriminate.
Mr Moffett has highlighted the need to view EV infrastructure across Northern Ireland as part of a larger, interconnected energy system. He stated: "This system should seamlessly integrate various forms of renewable energy, from wind and solar to emerging technologies.
"By doing so, we can ensure that our transition to electric vehicles is not only about replacing petrol and diesel cars but also about building a resilient, sustainable energy ecosystem.
"It is important that we adapt current policies and regulatory frameworks to support the rapid deployment of EV charging infrastructure.
"Streamlining planning processes, providing incentives for the installation of charging points, and ensuring that these installations are accessible to all, regardless of where they live or their level of mobility, is crucial.
"The establishment of a comprehensive, accessible EV charging network in Northern Ireland is not just about meeting our 2030 Climate Action Plan targets; it’s about fulfilling societal and economic needs.
"By addressing this gap, we ensure that the benefits of renewable energy extend to everyone, especially those who rely on it the most."
