13 February 2025
Drivers believe upgrading signage for the public EV chargepoints are necessary to help boost the prominence of the public network according to a study by The AA.
More than half of the 8,268 prospective EV drivers said that steps such as a clearer, universal sign should be used to help chargers stand out (56%*), alongside totem pole pricing boards used at fuel forecourts (51%), as well as subtle tactics such as including chargepoints on built-in sat-navs for petrol and diesel cars (52%).
When asked about updating the existing chargepoint sign, more than three quarters (77%) said that using a ‘green P’ would have the most impact when indicating the location of chargers, compared to the current sign which utilises the traditional ‘blue P’ parking sign.
Proposed EV chargepoint sign from The AA
Existing EV chargepoint sign
While it’s great to see charging infrastructure installed across the country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight
More chargepoints can convince drivers to switch
As well as upgrading the signs, The AA investigated how many public chargers would be needed to help convince drivers to make the switch from combustion to electric.
The government is on track to reach its target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030**, however respondents said that a figure around 380,000 by the same deadline would give them the confidence to change to an electric vehicle.
While the total number of chargers is only one aspect of hesitation from drivers, members have also expressed concerns about the speed of charging alongside accessibility and concerns about their personal safety. The AA is calling on chargepoint operators and the government to discuss and tackle these issues more, to help give those considering an EV more confidence to switch.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, said; “While it’s great to see charging infrastructure installed across the country, there is a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight.
“Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a ‘green P’ will help sign the way, highlight the network and give more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it seems a sensible upgrade to make.
“A visible public charging network is just one aspect that drivers are looking at when considering if the time is right for them to go electric. Charger reliability, speed of charging, cost, accessibility and personal safety are all being weighed up by consumers before making the leap. The more government and chargepoint operators can do to help address these issues, the more EVs we may see on the road.”
* Yonder received 14,695 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 14th to 21st January 2025, of which 8,268 said they would consider buying an EV in the future. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.