New research suggests that Rutland remains on track for an EV boom and could see more than 13,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade, with a significant increase in public EV charge points needed to keep up with demand.

The new projections were announced today, 7 March, at Midlands Connect's EV Conference.

Figures suggest Rutland will see a 1,399% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030, with projections predicting to rise from 882 EVs today to 13,223 on its roads by the end of 2030.

New research forecasts have shown Rutland requires a further 398 public charging points by 2030 to support the increase in EV use over the next decade, an 1,990% increase from the 20 chargers existing across the region today. 

Estimates suggest that by 2030, the Midlands could be home to over 2 million EVs, with just under 1 in 3 (32.5%) vehicles being electric. To support this growing number of EVs, 58,997 new public EV charging points must be installed across the Midlands by the end of the decade. This means installing 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the end of 2030.

The work is part of the Sub-national Transport Body's efforts to support Local Authorities in increasing EV charger roll-out. In September 2023, it partnered with 14 Local Authorities for a total of £40.3mil of Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to be part of consortium approach, accounting for ~61% of the regions £66.5mil funding.

The figures were announced at Midlands Connect's EV Conference today, which brought together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Electric Vehicle industry. Discussions included hearing from firms manufacturing EVs; electrifying fleets of vehicles and ensuring that electrified transport is accessible to everyone.

Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect's​ CEO Maria Machancoses said: "It's clear Rutland is still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles, that could see over 13,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of decade.

"Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We're already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.

"Our conference today allowed us to bring together many different aspects of the EV industry, including Government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution." 

Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council said "Making sure sufficient EV charging points are in place to meet demand is key to modernising the UK's transport network and helping to combat the climate emergency. Rutland County Council is already taking the right steps.

"We recently gave the green light to purchase new electric minibuses to serve both our market towns and Melton Mowbray. We have also just undertaken a survey to find out where residents feel new on-street charging points are needed around Rutland, so we can put more charging points in the best locations.

"These charging points will be funded using Government LEVI funding, which we have bid for, in conjunction with Midlands Connect and several local authorities across the Midlands region. If the projected figures for EV use are correct, there will need to be a significant increase to investment in the national grid, so that the UK's energy infrastructure can cope with growing demand."