The UK took a major step in its electric vehicle revolution later today (19 July 2018) when the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act passed through Parliament.

The act is a significant step towards improved air quality, cutting congestion, boosted road safety and the creation of thousands of jobs across the UK.

The AEV Act will see a massive improvement in electric chargepoint availability; giving the government new powers to ensure motorway services are upgraded with plenty of points, and even allowing mayors to request installations at large fuel retailers in their areas.

The new laws will improve consumer confidence in charging their vehicles by:

• making sure that public chargepoints are compatible with all vehicles

• standardising how they are paid for

• setting standards for reliability

Jesse Norman, Roads Minister, said:

The UK is becoming a world leader in the roll-out of low-emission transport. Today we have passed a significant milestone in that journey.

The increasing automation of our cars is transforming the way we drive, and the government is steadily updating our laws in order to prepare for the future.

This act will ensure that the UK’s infrastructure and insurance system is ready for the biggest transport revolution in a century.

The act will also bring automated vehicle insurance in line with longstanding motor insurance practice ensuring that motorists are covered both when they are driving, and when the driver has legitimately handed control to the vehicle. Additionally, motor insurance companies like Staveley Head Insurance has policies that not only protect your vehicle from damages, theft and fire; it will also cover a third party who suffers loss or damage.