I lose track of the subjects that politicians should and shouldn’t comment on – apparently football and sports in general are off limits and I think one might have taken a verbal kicking after voicing an opinion about something that happened on a reality TV show. But it was refreshing to hear future roads minister Lilian Greenwood MP talk enthusiastically about electric vehicles and charging infrastructure recently.

The MP for Nottingham South was addressing an audience assembled at ChargeUK’s autumn reception in September, following an enthusiastic speech by Vicky Read, the organisation’s CEO. Read had already spoken about ChargeUK’s activities and the promise of a combined effort between member companies to help the rollout of the country’s EV charging infrastructure over the coming months and years.

Greenwood followed that, kicking off with the initial message being that the new (or maybe not so new anymore) government was onboard with the current automotive plans, including the overall transition to EV. “The prime minister made it clear that his number one priority was economic stability and revitalising the whole economy,” she stated. “And cars and vans have a more-than-trivial role to play here. We will support the EV revolution and phase out ICE models in a timeline that suits everyone in the country.”

Some might call that a typical statement from a politician – saying all the right things to those who want and need to hear it, but without actually committing to a date – but there was further depth to her message. She then acknowledged that EV drivers needed a reliable network as well as the fact that “we need to go further and faster” with the number of rapid chargers available around the country.

Greenwood described the future of EVs as relying on “Making journeys boringly predictable” – I’m assuming she was coming at it from a charging perspective, as opposed to the driving experience – and that’s really what people want. A world where drivers don’t have to think or worry about running out of whatever is powering their vehicle. That and the peace of mind to know that getting from A to B will be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

I describe myself as a political atheist, so I’ve no skin in the game on any of the ‘sides’, but when someone in power says, “We will support the EV industry – not only to grow, but also to thrive”, I tend to listen. That dream is only going to become reality if everyone is pulling in the same direction – a massive ask – but Greenwood’s initial enthusiasm is a good start.

Enjoy the issue.

John Challen Editor