Green signs for EVs: Drivers want unique charging signage and petrol station-style totem poles showing kWh pricing

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Drivers want electric vehicle (EV) signage pointing to public chargers to be made green and locations to use petrol station-style pricing totem poles showing the cost per kWh to boost the appeal of switching to battery cars, a new survey suggests.

Some 77 per cent of an 8,268-strong UK motorist survey by the AA backed the use of green signage, with EVs already displaying a flash of green on number plates to indicate their zero tailpipe emissions evasion of emissions-based charging schemes in city centres.

Existing signs indicating the location of public charging devices for EVs feature the same traditional blue 'P' parking symbol that's been in place for decades and therefore do no stand out.

The study examined potential changes to charging infrastructure that would help to curb widespread public concerns about range anxiety, which is one of the major hurdles for mass EV adoption. 

Half of respondents to the AA member poll who said they would consider buying an EV in the future were in favour of charging locations having totem pole pricing boards, as is the case at fuel forecourts.

And some 52 per cent of those polled also supported the prospect of charge point locations being included in built-in sat navs for petrol and diesel cars.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said there is 'a danger that many units are hiding in plain sight' and fuelling concerns about a lacking public charging infrastructure despite a rapidly growing network of devices.

'Often it is small changes that make a big difference, and if a green P will help highlight the network and give more confidence to those looking to switch to electric, then it seems a sensible upgrade to make,' he said.

A quarter (77%) of prospective EV drivers believe signage around public chargers should turn green to help them stand out and boost the appeal of electric cars

In 2020 the Government introduced special green number plates to be displayed on both new and existing electric cars, with the suggestion it they could lead to some benefits, however, none are yet to materialise

The AA says EV charging locations should be directed by unique green signage, as shown here

EV drivers in Britain are currently issued little in terms of signage to show pricing of EV charging, especially at motorway service stations - which, like petrol and diesel pricing, is at a premium - and dedicated charging hubs.

In 2021, EG Group became the first chargepoint operator to introduce forecourt poles with per unit charging prices at its ultra-rapid chargers.

Today, it has 50 sites with EV charging pricing displayed while rival operators continue to shrug price display boards.

'EV signage including pricing allows drivers to make an informed decision about whether they are prepared to turn in and use the facilities,' the operator said.

'Like traditional carbon fuels, reflecting pricing for EVs is a critical consideration and we believe this should apply equally across the mobility space,' it added. 

Government regulation do not explicitly require charging operators to provide pricing signage.

However, the Government's push for more transparency about local petrol and diesel prices is likely to force the hand of EV charging operators to provide more information to drivers on site. 

Major charging provider Motor Fuel Group told Forecourt Trader in April that the charging pricing boards are 'continually under review' and were it to become mandatory in the UK MFG 'would comply'.

Jack Cousens from the AA said that many EV charging locations are 'hiding in plain sight' due to poor signage. This could be fuelling concerns about a lacking public charging infrastructure, which is triggering a slow uptake of battery cars

EG Group is the only EV charging operator to display kWh charging pricing for EVs on filling station totem poles alongside petrol and diesel pricing 

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Other industry bodies have pointed to the expense of rolling out signage with Brian Donaldson, chief executive of The Maxol Group, calling for 'longer lead-in times to prepare both operationally and financially'.

Donaldson said: 'Price comparison signage should not be introduced at the expense of the roll-out of EV charging facilities at forecourts.

'The principle is a good one, but the application needs further consideration.'

Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge and advisory board member of EVUK, which are both pro-EV groups, said: 'We're one of the only countries in Europe that has no policy to develop clear EV charging signage for consumers.

'Out-of-date highways legislation and commercial contracts with food and coffee operators are two of the reasons our motorways don't have signs to tell drivers where the next charging station is.'

The former Top Gear presenter went on: 'For those non-EV drivers who worry about infrastructure, signage would help reassure them that there are already 74,000 public chargers in operation.

'The Government not resolving the conspicuous lack of EV charging signage on our road networks is become ridiculous.'

A Government spokesperson said: 'With over 74,000 public charge points across the UK – and 54 added every day in 2024 – we are continuously exploring ways to make electric vehicle drivers aware of the rapidly growing network.

'Drivers can already locate charge points on apps like Google Maps and Wayze, and traffic signing incorporating an EV symbol is already being used, but we are working to improve signage for charging facilities along our major roads.'

EVs have been allowed to display unique number plates for the last four years that tell them apart from petrol, diesel and hybrid cars on the road.

From 8 December 2020, the exclusive EV-only plates - which have a green flash on one side - were made available for both new and existing battery-powered cars.

By easily identifying zero-emission vehicles, former transport secretary Grant Shapps said the move would help 'local authorities design and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them'.

While Shapps hinted that the plates could open the door for electric vehicles to be given special privileges, such as access to bus lanes and parking in town and town centres, no notable benefits to drivers have materialised.