UK GOVERNMENT UNVEILS NEW EV CHARGEPOINT DESIGN

12th Nov 2021

(Photo: Royal College of Art)

The UK government has unveiled a new design for electric vehicle chargepoints.

The new concept, designed by the Royal College of Art and PA Consulting, ‘prioritises inclusivity and ease of use’ and was designed with the needs of consumers, local government, accessibility groups and industry in mind.

The design was announced as the government confirmed that all new road vehicles in the UK are set to be zero-emission within the next two decades. The announcement included a commitment that all new heavy goods vehicles sold in the UK will be zero-emission by 2040.

As part of the outcome of the COP26 meetings, 34 countries, six major vehicle manufacturers, 41 cities, states and regions, 28 fleets and 13 investors all jointly set out their determination for all new car and van sales to be zero-emission by 2040 globally and 2035 in leading markets.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was confident that the UK would be a world leader in the implementation of zero-emission transportation and its supporting infrastructure.

“From our roads to the skies, the transition to zero emission transports has reached a tipping point,” said Grant Shapps. “We know transport plays a key role saving the planet from warming above 1.5˚C, which is why this is the COP that kick start our ambition for zero emission.

“To support the transition to EVs, it’s integral that we have the infrastructure to support it. My vision for the UK is to have one of the best infrastructure networks in the world, with excellent British design at its heart.”

RCA Professor Clive Grinyer is delighted with the outcome of the design project.

“This design is a landmark in our journey to electric vehicles and zero carbon,” said Professor Grinyer. “We have listened to people around the country who asked to have the minimum impact on their streets, to ensure it works well for the disabled and all people and that we bring the UK’s design and engineering talent to create an iconic design that we can all be proud of.”