Government considers green-coloured parking spaces for EVs

The government is considering ways to encourage the take up of electric vehicles through proposals such as green painted parking spaces for electric vehicles, charge points at supermarkets and popular tourist sites, and consistent and clear public signage for drivers on UK roads.

These recommendations were made in a government-commissioned report by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

One of the measures on encouraging EV uptake is giving guidance to local authorities on painting EV parking spaces green.

On the first World EV Day, the government has also announced it is investing £12 million in funding for research and development (R&D) to support a series of competitions for some of the most promising EV technologies.

Together with Innovate UK, the funding will support a range of ground-breaking projects designed to open up significant commercial opportunities, one of which could see cars of the future benefit from a 6-minute battery charge.

The Department for Transport has also worked closely with Autotrader, a popular site for buying and selling cars, to develop a dedicated EV section on their website to help potential EV purchasers with their decision, with more sites expected to follow.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Whether you’re taking a trip with the family or commuting to work, with the wide range of models at competitive prices, it is now more cost-effective and convenient than ever to drive and charge an electric vehicle.

"This, together with our continued support for R&D, will see talented UK-based SMEs flourish, as well as more than 6,000 skilled jobs created up and down the country.

"This is why, on the world’s first-ever day dedicated to celebrating electric vehicles, I’m delighted to announce our unwavering support for a cleaner, greener transport future."

A £9.3 million scheme launched by Highways England will allow businesses to try electric vehicles for free before they buy. The initiative is designed to encourage drivers to shift to cleaner, lower-carbon vehicles and will see local authorities encouraging businesses with diesel van fleets to make the switch to electric.

Businesses will be offered a free trial of electric vehicles for two months, following a successful launch with Leeds City Council earlier in the year.