EV Adoption Slowed by Charging and Policy Gaps

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is being slowed by limited and unevenly distributed public charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and higher initial costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. In the UK, the installation of public EV chargers is falling short of government targets, with only 48 added daily instead of the required 130 to meet 2030 objectives, contributing to fears of charging 'deserts' and weakening EV demand. Real-world tests show that affordable EVs offer limited range, which further discourages potential buyers. In India, public charging stations are underutilized due to inconvenient locations, slow charging speed, and the popularity of home charging, with some city initiatives, like Coimbatore's planned expansion, stalled by administrative and infrastructure issues. The UK's 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars is expected to reduce the number of traditional fuel stations, potentially increasing costs for non-EV owners during the transition. These challenges highlight the urgent need for reliable, accessible, and affordable EV charging to support the global shift to electric vehicles.