Greater availability of electric vehicle (EV) charge points would help to overcome one of the largest barriers to EV adoption in the UK, according to the fleet industry and research conducted by Fleet News. Following the Government's Queen Speech announcement of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill, polls conducted by Fleet News revealed nearly a third of drivers (29.2%) would make the switch if they were able to charge their car at traditional petrol pump locations. The Bill mandates the installation of EV charge points at all motorway service areas and large fuel retailers. The proposed legislation was was welcomed by leasing company Lex Autolease. Chris Chandler, principal consultant, said: 'One of the biggest barriers to greater adoption of electric vehicles is range anxiety, so more charging points at petrol stations and motorway services will help to address that fear. 'The measures are a recognition of the need for pathway charging _ essentially making it easier for electric vehicle drivers to get from one end of the country to the other, without worrying about their next charging point. This should broaden their appeal and open up the market for electric vehicles across the UK.î Zap Map, a website designed to track the locations of charge points, shows up to 6,890 EV charge points in 4,523 locations across the UK, including 1,057 rapid chargers. Both Shell and Total have also previously announced their intention to provide charge points at their petrol stations, with BP indicating their interest in pursuing this next step. Alison Bell, marketing director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: 'Research we conducted recently found that 85% of motorists would consider buying an electric vehicle; however; 69% said that the lack of charging points across the UK would be the biggest deterrent.î 'Our research shows there is an appetite for electrical vehicles, but motorists do have their reservations when it comes to the day-to-day running of the vehicle. Hopefully this Bill should move forward plans to invest in infrastructure for electric vehicles.î However, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), Brian Madderson, raised some concerns while calling for 'clarityî over how 'large retailers' are to be defined. He said: 'The measure forms part of a Government push to increase the number of electric vehicles on UK roadsƒ the PRA is concerned this could place an unreasonable financial burden on independent fuel retailers who feel there is insufficient market demand to justify the investment at this time. 'The PRA recommends that the Government introduces a centralised monetary fund allowing private businesses to apply for grants which will underwrite such speculative investment in rapid charge equipment.î The Department for Transport (DfT) recently released data showing that the total amount of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) in the UK reached over 100,000 in March this year including 92,414 plug-in cars and 3,358 plug-in vans. Furthermore, research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed registrations of 'pure' plug-in EVs increased by nearly half (46.25) in the first five months of 2017 compared to 2016.