Written question WQ90793

Transport for Wales (TfW) is monitoring and adapting its delivery approach according to EV adoption rates, new innovation opportunities and changes to national standards and best practices. New information is shared through bi-monthly seminars with all local authorities and other public sector bodies, with Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) via the Connections Working Group and with the commercial sector via the Charge Point Operators Working Group.

The stakeholder working groups have been set up to identify actions to reduce barriers to the delivery of EV infrastructure and to stimulate investment. These groups are focused on the electricity distribution network operators (SPEN and NGED) and on supporting work between public and private sectors to deliver charging infrastructure on streets where residents do not have driveways. These groups have compiled a list of barriers to delivery which require addressing.

We are currently considering support measures for the decarbonisation of heavy duty vehicles, taking into account the wider UK policy context and technology trials underway.

We have recently started work on a programme with Zemo Partnership to explore how we can support the transition to zero emission HGVs in Wales, which will look at a wide scope of opportunities including support for HGV charging infrastructure. This is in addition to our engagement with the UK Department for Transport on the development of its zero emission HGV infrastructure strategy, participation in the Freight Energy Forum and Truck Infrastructure Group.

We recognise the nascent nature of the technology and will take account the progress of DfT funded technology trials but also the importance of early action to support decarbonisation of freight in Wales.

I provided a comprehensive update to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee on 25 January. The encouraging rate of growth continues, with the number of chargepoints per 100,000 residents now at 66.4 - Wales is now third in the UK behind Scotland and London. There are now more than 2,000 public chargepoints in Wales.

A project management office is in place in TfW to coordinate delivery projects and monitor delivery in public and private sectors. The project to deliver 19 rapid EV charging points on the strategic road network (SRN) is almost complete – all but three have been delivered.

From January 2024, the introduction of the new Zero Emission Vehicle mandate will ensure at least 22% of new cars sold will be zero emission rising to 80% in 2030 (similarly for vans 10% rising to 70%).

Local authorities have been awarded £15m to increase the number of charging facilities and address gaps in provision or market failure. This follows the £26m already invested in charging infrastructure across Wales since 2021, which has helped increase the total number of publicly available chargepoints in Wales.

We are also working with the UK Government to promote the uptake of the incentives offered in Wales including grants provided through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV): Office for Zero Emission Vehicles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).