AQW 9993/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/04/2024
Answered On Date: 29/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to provide an update on the work of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force.

Answer:

My Department recognises the key role Electric Vehicles play in reducing transport emissions by switching fuels to low emission alternatives. While the roll out of EV Infrastructure in the North is commercially led, my Department, in chairing the EV Infrastructure Task Force, has a lead role in bringing together representatives from government, consumers, energy providers and industry with a focus on delivering a fit for purpose, modern EV charging network.

The EV Infrastructure Task-Force provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise, exploring options to tackle some of the barriers which exist in providing EV Infrastructure and examining how demand for charging can be met across the Transport Sector. In recognising the complexity and wide range of areas that need addressed over the next five years, the Task-Force agreed six key actions which were to be developed by my Department, the Department of the Economy, Charge Point Operators and other statutory bodies including the Consumer Council and the NI Utility Regulator.

I have been encouraged by the progress made by the members of the Task-Force, in considering the priorities contained in the Action Plan, and the successful collaboration across sectors, which has led to significant interventions, such as the introduction of charging for electricity at publicly available charge points. The most recent available statistics indicate that there are now over 540 publicly available charge points here which represents an increase of 60% since August 2021.

The Task-Force aims to meet quarterly to allow members to provide updates on the progress of the actions and review priorities, reacting to market developments and to consider the outcomes of formal consultation on key issues including the review of connection costs for Charge Point Operators entering the market. My Officials have also been liaising with key stakeholders outside of this forum and are currently considering how the Task-Force can share the knowledge of the group and take the views of those who have entered the market and are making a significant contribution to the growth of charging infrastructure in the North.