The Geospatial Commission has launched a discovery project to explore how location data can be better utilised to support planning and delivery of electric vehicle (EV) charge points by local authorities.
The UK is committed to transitioning to electric vehicles in support of being net zero by 2050 and local authorities will play a crucial role in the successful transition through the planning approval of EV charge point infrastructure.
The discovery project includes workshops with ten local authorities to identify challenges and opportunities for better location data use in the transition to EV.
It will support the government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.
The following authorities are involved in the project:
- Cheshire East Council
- City of York Council
- Cornwall Council
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Kent County Council
- Leeds City Council
- Norfolk County Council
- Oxfordshire County Council
- West Sussex County Council
- Wiltshire Council
Commenting, Commissioner at the Geospatial Commission, Dr Steve Unger said:
“Location data will play a key role in planning the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and help make net zero a reality.
“Through this project, the Geospatial Commission will understand the challenges faced by local authorities who wish to exploit location data. By working together, we will be able to unlock the potential for data-driven innovation in transport.”
Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, Councillor Helen Hayden added:
“Over the last five years, Leeds has taken a range of actions, offering free electric van trials, discounted parking and requiring charge points in new developments, to accelerate our city’s transition to less polluting vehicles.
“With figures showing that the number of plug-in vehicles in Leeds has doubled over the last year, it is vitally important that we understand how best to expand and improve access to charging infrastructure for drivers on the go or without private parking. We are therefore excited to be part of this timely project.”
This new project builds on the findings of the Positioning the UK in the Fast Lane report, which was published by the Geospatial Commission in August 2021.
It identified that supporting the effective use of location data and systems is vital for the UK to have the best charging infrastructure in the world and meet net zero targets whilst driving economic growth.
You can watch the full PSE365 Public Sector Decarbonisation in Association with Liberty Charge virtual event on demand here.
