In addition to removing barriers to charge point rollout, enabling the transition to electric vehicles requires addressing wider aspects such as ensuring that charge point demand is considered when new major road schemes are created, and fire safety techniques are updated.38 In written correspondence provided after our evidence session the Department stated that, while electric vehicles have not been found to be more at risk of fire than internal combustion engines, it is a different kind of fire which requires different techniques to put out. The Department stated that it has been working with fire brigades to develop a handbook on what the best techniques are for particular kinds of electric vehicle fire, and that in July 2023 it had published guidance for fire safety for covered car parks.39 The National Fire Chiefs Council stated that aspects such as ensuring charge points do not block fire hydrants or impede access to buildings, and providing better information to the public about the warning signs of an electric vehicle fire must also be addressed.40 36 Qq 8, 102 37 Qq 100–102, C&AG’s Report Figure 9 38 Q 60 39 Qq 3–4; Letter from Department for Transport to PAC, 31 January 2025 40 EVS0006 15 2 Improving drivers’ experience of using public charge points Consumer experience