EV News Round-Up: a £70m Boost at COP28 and the UK's 10,000th Rapid Charger
Will Range Anxiety Become a Concern of the Past in 2024?
In a recent interview with SoGlos, EV experts shed light on dispelling range anxiety. Despite common concerns about EVs running out of charge during journeys, there have been significant advancements in battery technology, infrastructure development, and growing charging networks.
As we approach 2024, EV manufacturers are addressing range anxiety head-on, with newer models boasting extended mileage and faster charging capabilities. The current estimated range average for an EV is around 300 miles, depending on the make and model. Up from just 80 miles some 12 years ago!
And EV drivers can help themselves. One of the most influential factors affecting your EVs range is your driving habits. Things like the use of heating and air-con, as well as incorrect tyre pressures will all have an influence. A winter tip if you’re able to charge at home or work, is to simply preheat while charging for a comfortable journey without concern over range.
The UK Government has already pledged almost £400 million towards creating a reliable charging infrastructure. And as we covered last week, the new £2 billion investment pledge in planning measures and reforms to boost charging on UK motorways is specifically aimed at supporting in-journey charging.
So perhaps neither range nor charge anxiety need be a concern as eco-friendly vehicles become an increasingly viable option for the masses with a plethora of charging stations becoming more accessible, and the fear of being stranded without power rapidly diminishing. The environmental benefits and long-term cost savings associated with transitioning to EVs could make 2024 the opportune time to make the switch.
UK Accelerates EV Adoption With £70 Million Boost for Rapid Chargers at COP28
AutoCar and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International reported last week on the COP28 climate summit where trials to raise the number of ultra-rapid charge points at motorway services have been unveiled with a £70 million investment to bolster the country's EV infrastructure. Also announced during the World Leaders Summit was the launch of a ten-week consultation of chargepoint operators, motorway service area operators, and electricity suppliers, to seek views on where these chargers are needed most, and how best to design the Rapid Charging Government Fund.
The UK's Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said, “This Government is on the side of drivers, and working with the private sector to provide robust chargepoint infrastructure is part of our Plan for Drivers, with today's announcement paving the way for more ultra-rapid charge points.”
“This £70 million pilot scheme is the starting point and sends a message to consumers and industry that we are investing wisely and rapidly to grow the future of transport in the UK.”
Harper laid out the plans for the pilot, with the funding to be dedicated to the installation of rapid chargers at motorway services. Investment in highly visible locations is being cited by experts as a crucial step in encouraging more people to switch to e-mobility. Striving to elevate accessibility and deliver quicker and more convenient charging options along major travel routes this initiative marks yet another proactive step towards fostering a more sustainable and EV-friendly transport network across the UK.
Fleet EV Registrations Continue to Soar Amidst Regulatory Challenges
Three-quarters of new EVs are now being registered to fleets, according to FleetNews. This marks a significant surge in corporate commitment to greener alternatives, showcasing the rising popularity and acceptance of EVs in the business sector.
Data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows new van demand growth for the 11th consecutive month in November this year. Despite the figures demonstrating Battery Electric Van (BEV) registrations fell for the second month, the SMMT said the broader trend was positive, with BEV registrations up 15% since January 2023.
With new regulation coming into force in January 2024 mandating that 22% of each manufacturer’s new vehicle registrations must be zero-emission, the industry body warned that rules of origin requirements, that could see additional tariffs on BEVs traded across the Channel from January 1 risks this mandate by cutting choice and affordability.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "An eleventh month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation. It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero-emission van uptake, driving down CO2 emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets. These are severely threatened by rules of origin requirements due in less than four weeks' time, so it is essential that a pragmatic solution is found – and fast.’
UK Celebrates 10,000 Rapid EV Chargers
Another landmark for electric mobility is achieved in the UK as we officially mark the success of hitting the 10,000 rapid EV charger milestone.
Zapmap data suggests that the 10,000th charge point was installed at Sedbergh Leisure Centre in Bradford. Zapmap rates 25-99kW chargers as rapid, and those capable of charging at over 100kW as ultra-rapid. As you might expect by the name ‘rapid’, these devices are capable of charging very quickly, with some of the speediest devices able to take a compatible EV from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.
Auto Express reported on the installation milestone and quoted Zapmap’s Head of Insights Jade Edwards saying “It’s great to see the UK surpass 10,000 high-powered charging devices. That’s not only because it illustrates the acceleration in the rate of charge point installation. It’s also because the data shows the increasing prevalence of the highest power devices”
“Having accounted for a fifth of high-power devices in December 2020, now almost half of the UK’s high-powered chargers are capable of delivering 100kW or well above, enabling anyone driving home for Christmas in an electric car to get there that much quicker.”
That's it for another week of EV news round-up. If you’re interested in learning more about the UK’s EV charging rollout, and how EV charging software can help in our collective transition in line with the net zero transport push, make sure to head through to our blogs and news sections to learn more.
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