AQW 27950/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 13/01/2022
Answered On Date: 19/01/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in reference to recently published reports commissioned by her Department, for her assessment of (i) electric vehicle infrastructure; (ii) electric vehicle sales; and (iii) the growth and expansion of each.

Answer:

In leading on the Transport Working Group (TWG), set up to inform the transport elements of the Executive’s Energy Strategy, my Department commissioned four research projects which I am pleased to have been able to recently publish. The Energy Strategy includes actions that need to be taken forward if we are to achieve a cleaner, greener, transport system. The out workings of the TWG will include consideration of future requirements for publicly available electric vehicle charge points in the North. I am keen to work within the framework of the Energy Strategy to ensure a co-ordinated and coherent approach that is focused on assessing and meeting future needs for charging infrastructure in this fast-changing policy area.

You will be aware, I have established an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers, industry, and EV drivers to consider our EV Infrastructure requirements and to help set out a clear action plan by autumn 2022 to deliver a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network. In developing its Action Plan the Task-Force will consider EV Infrastructure in the context of the overarching principles of prioritising active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) and public transport towards decarbonising our transport system. In establishing this Task-Force, I recognise the importance of having a modern, reliable, public, electric vehicle charging infrastructure to provide confidence to users of ultra-low emission vehicles and improving connectivity across the North.

The electric vehicle public charge point network is owned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and is operated on a commercial basis. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the network. There are currently 320 22kWh (Fast) public charge points at 160 locations and a further 17 50kWh DC (Rapid) public charge points in the North. Whilst the market is open to other commercial operators who would wish to provide charging infrastructure, to date, ESB is the only public network provider in the North.

ESB has completed a replacement programme in November 2021 to replace 30 AC Fast charge posts (60 charge points) including 1 Rapid charger to upgrade a number of faulty charge points with more modern operational charge points and has received very positive feedback. I have encouraged ESB to introduce charging on its public network as soon as possible.

ESB recently announced it has been awarded £3.27 million from the Levelling Up Fund to expand and enhance the EV charging network which will transform the public charging experience for current and future EV drivers in the North. The Levelling Up Fund investment, further supported by ESB’s own capital investment, will replace all existing Fast (22kW) and Rapid (50kW) EV chargers across the North. The legacy infrastructure will be replaced with the fastest, most reliable and advanced technology available.

The latest statistics from DVLA/DfT show that the number of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) registered for the first time in Northern Ireland has increased each year to 2020. That trend has continued with 2,847 new ultra-low emission vehicles registered in the first three quarters of 2021. This demonstrates a significant increase in uptake and is an encouraging sign as we make the transition to 2030 when the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be introduced.

The British Government has made £20 million in grant funding available to local authorities in GB-NI for 2021/22 to provide charge points for residents without off-street parking. My Department has been engaging with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the On-street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) to ensure the scheme can be accessed by councils in the North. Concession agreements may form part of the arrangements between local councils and charge point operators. The EST held a workshop last year with local councils here to provide information about the ORCS scheme and has indicated its intention to hold further events to support councils in Northern Ireland interested in applying to the scheme. My Department will also work in an advisory capacity with councils that wish to apply.

Funding opportunities for the installation of charge point infrastructure in GB-NI are provided by The Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and it continues to provide a broad range of funding in GB-NI including Plug-in grant for cars, vans, taxis and motorcycles including the provision of grants for home, work and on-street residential charging infrastructure. I have met with British Government Ministers to discuss the move to electric vehicles, the approach to installing charge point infrastructure and future funding including development opportunities for our charge point network. I have been assured that OZEV will continue to highlight opportunities for charge point operators in GB to consider entering the market here in the North.

Due to the opportunities for grants and funding for home charging, and the newly upgraded public charge network, I look forward to more members of the public seeing the incentives for ultra-low emission vehicle purchases.