CMA begins study into EV chargepoint sector

A study looking into potential challenges consumers will face when using electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints has been commenced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

While the sector is still in the early stages of development, it is growing quickly. Currently there are almost 20,000 chargepoints in the UK, an increase from 1,500 in 2011. Yet demand is set to increase, with the government recently announcing the 2030 ban on the sale of  petrol and diesel vehicles.

Research shows that ‘range anxiety’ – worries about not being able to charge while out and about – is a key concern for many consumers. The investigation will therefore consider how to ensure the sector works well for people now and in the future, which the CMA says will help to build trust in the service and address any competition issues.

Specifically, the CMA will focus on two areas:

• How to develop a competitive sector whilst incentivising investment, including looking at potential barriers for businesses to enter or expand and other factors impacting competition
• How consumers will interact with this new and potentially complex sector, the possible challenges facing people when charging and what additional measures may be needed to protect consumers so that mistrust does not become a barrier to rollout

Market studies can make recommendations to government or other bodies, and issue guidance to businesses and consumers as needed, among other options.

The study will be conducted over the next 6-12 months – reaching out to stakeholders including chargepoint providers, industry bodies, regulators, local authorities and consumer groups, while engaging closely with government and others carrying out work in the sector.

Following this, the CMA will publish a report setting out its findings on any emerging issues and measures to facilitate effective competition and consumer interaction.

Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Making the switch to electric vehicles is key to helping the UK become greener, which is why it’s so important that everyone has the confidence to get behind the move.

“Being able to easily stop off at a petrol station is a standard part of a journey and consumers must trust that electric chargepoints will provide a similarly straight-forward service.

“By getting involved early as electric vehicles and chargepoints are still developing, the CMA can make sure consumers are treated fairly now and in the future.”