North Somerset have no public charging points as yet, but have replied to an email to advise they are discussing where they should be fitted – so far from there being no further investment, it looks like we may finally see some in my area!

With regards the grants – yes, the Government do this to encourage the early takers to adopt the technology. That’s what the PV Feed in Tariff is all about. Without it Solar PV would never have taken off in the UK, with it it’s become a big industry. It’s bound to be reduced as time goes on – I am on an early rate FIT, I took a £12.5k gamble and it’s paying off, although I still have half of my investment to go before I am truly in free electricity territory! Thanks to early adopters like me the industry has grown and prices have dropped. I could get the same system for around £5k now, so it’s only right the grants have been reduced!

Similarly, the price of the Zoe is coming in much less than the leaf right now, they both get the same level of grant currently. Maybe the Zoe will be a huge success and overtake Leaf sales – but to do this it needs early adopters who are prepared for some inconvenience, in return for very cheap motoring. Charge points won’t remain free forever, it’s naive to think any different. As EVs become more popular the Government will have their hands back in your pockets!

With regards ICEing…I don’t have my car yet due to delivery delays, but I am horrified at the ICEing that goes on at the very few charge points I have within the 20 mile radius of my house. Twice in the last fortnight I would have found myself waiting to get a charge as I couldn’t get near the chargers! Once I’d have been waiting a very long time as I was there eating & shopping for 2 hours myself and the same ICE’s were there when I arrived and when I left! No wonder the charging infrastructure isn’t being used – we can’t rely on it due to people being inconsiderate! In that particular scenario, unless I’d kept 25 or more battery in reserve I could not have made it to another working charger from that location! I get the whole “they may not have noticed” thing, but when there is a painted floor, signs and a dirty great Ecotricity “pump” sat in front of the 2 spaces there is no excuse whatsoever. If they don’t notice that, what else don’t they notice? Schools kicking out & Children in the road? Pets? Elderly / frail people crossing the road? A lot of ICEing must be down to selfishness as the empty spaces are generally nearer entrances to buildings.