Officers conducted an online survey during the summer of 2021 to understand EV charging needs in the Borough. The survey was promoted on SHBC social media platforms, via email to targeted audiences and on posters in Council car parks. There were 559 responses and this document provides a summary of the results, which will inform the installation of charging points in Surrey Heath’s car park network.
Almost all respondents (98%) currently had regular access to a car or van. A significant percentage (33%) had regular access to an electric vehicle already, higher than average expected ownership in the Borough. Therefore the sample of respondents skewed in favour of EV ownership. This is to be expected given the nature of the survey. Results indicate that EV ownership is expected to increase rapidly in the short to medium term; 63% respondents either owned or were planning to own an EV vehicle within the next five years.
Limited local infrastructure was viewed as the highest barrier to EV ownership. This was closely followed by concerns with battery range and cost of vehicle ownership.
EV charging points in Council car parks are likely to support increased ease of transition to EVs in the Borough as 34% respondents were unable or unsure they would not be able to install an EV charging point at home.
Of those who responded, 82% would be willing to charge their vehicle overnight. This is important as there may be limited opportunity for multiple rapid chargers.
Respondents indicated they would use a mix of charging points to charge their vehicle, and 55% would make use of EV charging points in Council Car Parks.
A small percentage of respondents had a business need for EV charging (16%).
The majority of the survey respondents heard about the survey through Facebook (73%).
The survey results evidence the requirement for local EV charging infrastructure in Surrey Heath car parks and on-street network. As EV ownership becomes more widespread, the necessity for charging points will increase so planning for future demand in current installation plans will be important.
The following figures summarise the results
Figure 1 – Location of Overnight Parking

Figure 2 – Current levels of EV ownership

Figure 3 – Barriers to EV ownership

Figure 4 – Expected Charging Point Use

Figure 5 – Where Respondents Heard About the Survey
