Plaid Cymru have highlighted what they claim are inadequate provisions for the use of electric vehicles in Wales. Their Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Simon Thomas claims that the Welsh Government needs to address a “blackout” on electric vehicle charging points in mid Wales. He said that currently, it is impossible to travel from north to south Wales in an electric vehicle and refuel en route because no rapid charging points exist outside of the M4 and A55 corridors. He insists that if the Welsh Government is to meet its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020, then providing adequate infrastructure for electric vehicles is crucial.
The Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM Secretary said: “Whilst we should be doing everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint, between 2009 and 2015 carbon emissions actually rose by 0.5% per year on average. Over the last two years, transport emissions in Wales have risen, so we are talking about something that is as fundamental as the air we breathe.
“But instead of making it as easy as possible for people to change their transport habits, the Labour Government has failed to provide adequate infrastructure for electric cars. It is ridiculous that you can’t travel from north to south Wales in an electric car and refuel en route.
“The main points available for public use are along the M4 in south Wales and the A55 in the north. Though the Leader Group Arloesi Gwynedd has done sterling work trying to improve provision in Meirionnydd, there is effectively a blackout in mid Wales. The Welsh Government should really be leading the way in improving infrastructure all across Wales.
“Electric vehicles offer a potential long-term solution to improving our air quality and the Welsh Government needs to invest in it if it is serious about creating a clean, green future for the nation.”
