CIHT Issues Guidance on Inclusive EV Rollout

Why It Matters

Effective local delivery of inclusive charging stations is critical to achieving the UK’s net‑zero transport goals and unlocking private capital. The guidance gives councils a practical roadmap to overcome grid, funding and accessibility challenges, directly influencing EV adoption rates.

Key Takeaways

• Guidance equips councils to meet 2035 EV ban
• Emphasizes data‑driven site selection and accessibility standards
• Calls for early grid engagement to avoid cost overruns
• Recommends future‑proof procurement with OCPP interoperability
• Highlights public‑private partnership role in scaling charging networks

Pulse Analysis

The United Kingdom has committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, a deadline that places unprecedented pressure on local authorities to provide public electric‑vehicle (EV) charging. In response, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) published "Rolling out Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Advice for Local Authorities", a toolkit that translates national climate targets into actionable municipal programmes. By framing charging points as essential public services, the guidance encourages councils to treat infrastructure development with the same rigor as other transport and energy projects, thereby aligning local planning with the broader net‑zero agenda.

Key obstacles identified in the CIHT report include limited grid capacity, fragmented procurement processes, and the need for inclusive design. The document urges councils to conduct data‑driven feasibility studies, engage early with distribution network operators, and adopt PAS 1899 standards to ensure safety and accessibility for users without off‑street parking. Procurement recommendations stress future‑proof contracts that embed Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) interoperability and clear maintenance responsibilities, reducing the risk of premature obsolescence. By integrating these technical and operational safeguards, authorities can mitigate cost overruns and accelerate deployment timelines.

Implementing the CIHT recommendations is expected to catalyse private investment, as clear public‑sector leadership de‑risks projects for developers and financiers. Streamlined procurement and robust community engagement can boost user confidence, driving higher EV uptake and supporting the UK's emissions reduction targets. Moreover, the emphasis on cross‑departmental collaboration and regional training centres builds lasting capability within local governments, ensuring that charging networks remain resilient as technology evolves. For municipalities, the guidance offers a pragmatic pathway to deliver inclusive, reliable EV infrastructure at scale.