Ensuring interoperability, access to charging infrastructure and an energy system fit for purpose to support the growing demand from EV charging are amongst the key areas of focus for an unprecedented piece of work.
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce was set up as a collaborative advisory group to Government, with representatives across the industry including the automotive, energy and infrastructure sectors. This taskforce is unprecedented in its collaborative work to determine actions in the UK to grow the EV market and ensure continued access to infrastructure for consumers.
BEAMA leads the work package to review requirements for smart charging infrastructure and associated interoperability standards. As the lead representative in the industry for infrastructure providers we now set a program of work to address how the key recommendations will be delivered. Working with the other members of the EV Energy Taskforce we will continue our work with other international standards organisations to advance UK input into the development of interoperability standards for industry, and create links with the wider smart appliance market.
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce is believed to be the most wide-ranging collaboration between the UK’s energy and transport/mobility industries and BEAMA is proud to be part of such a collaborative exercise. Since publishing our sector’s commitment to Net-Zero we know ensuring the transition to low carbon transport is absolutely essential and this report and associated work represents steps to achieving this.
In its formal report to the Government, the Taskforce sets out a range of proposals to enable an effective and efficient electric mobility transition. This includes:
- Placing consumer needs at the centre of the EV transition;
- Providing financial incentives to EV drivers to ensure that the potential energy storage capacity of millions of electric vehicles is used to reduce peak demand;
- Prioritising ease of access to public charge points and introducing greater standardisation across the charging network to provide easy access for all;
- Establishing an independent body to promote the benefits of smart charging through a major publicity campaign to ensure EV drivers are confident and well informed;
- Co-ordination of energy and transport planning to ensure we have the right infrastructure in the right place.
Philip New, Chief Executive, Energy Systems Catapult and the EV Energy Taskforce Chair said: “Ensuring that the mass roll-out of electric vehicles delivers benefits for both drivers and the wider energy system requires actions from industry, Government and the regulator, including creating the new markets and policies that can unlock EVs’ huge potential
The taskforce expects electric vehicles to become ubiquitous on Britain's roads, providing a significant challenge- and opportunity - for the UK's electricity network.
Coordinating the introduction of a smart charging infrastructure will enable network operators to balance demand and supply through an electricity grid increasingly incorporating intermittent renewable energy sources. EV drivers willing to charge their vehicles during periods of low electricity demand or when surplus renewable energy is being generated will benefit from lower fuel costs in the transition ahead.
Three important recommendations relate to the correct use of consumers’ personal data and the means to ensure people’s privacy is properly protected and smart EV charging is secure.
Commenting in advance of today’s launch event in Westminster…
David Smith, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association (ENA) said: “To develop and deliver a smart efficient national electric vehicle charging network will require effective local and national energy planning and coordination to enable efficient investment, mediating the balance between futureproofing and asset stranding.”
Audrey Gallacher, Director of Policy, Energy UK said: “Smart electric vehicle charging represents a fantastic opportunity to cut the cost of driving and improve the operation of the energy system, so it’s a win-win. To make sure that everyone can benefit, consumers must have freedom over when they charge their vehicle and should be rewarded for being flexible in doing so.”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “The recent growth in electric vehicles shows there is buyer appetite for these new, exciting technologies. Vehicle manufacturers are investing heavily to bring more choice to the UK but to drive uptake to meaningful levels, this must be supported by a long-term commitment to financial incentives, as well as an appropriate and highly visible charging network. Drivers must feel confident that it is as easy to charge as it is to pull up at a forecourt and refuel.”
Andy Eastlake, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s Managing Director said: “Developing a multi-stakeholder co-ordinated view on what is needed to liberate the electric vehicle smart charging sector has been vital in providing ‘no regret’ proposals to government and industry.”
Notes to Editors
IMAGES FROM THE LAUNCH EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE HERE (from 3pm, 14.2.20)
- About BEAMA - BEAMA is the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems. We represent more than 200 companies, from start-ups and SMEs to large multinationals. Our members' products ensure low carbon energy and environmental services are delivered safely, securely and efficiently to UK homes, businesses, transport and grid networks. We support our members in ensuring that the UK has a strong electrotechnical industry that is recognised as an essential part of modern society and brings invaluable economic, social and environmental benefits.
For the development of The EV Energy Task Force report BEAMA was the lead trade association representing the interests of manufacturers chargepoint, smart metering and communication device for buildings and transmission and distribution equipotent for the electricity grid.
- The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce was established in autumn 2018; an initiative announced at the Prime Minister’s Zero Emission Vehicle Summit, held in Birmingham, in September 2018. The Taskforce was established to make suggestions to Government and industry to ensure that the GB energy system is ready for and able to facilitate and exploit the mass take up of electric vehicles. Work was commissioned to LowCVP (www.lowcvp.org.uk) and the Energy Systems Catapult (https://es.catapult.org.uk/) and voluntary contributions made by other lead industry bodies in the development of individual work package reviews and recommendations.
- In order to meet climate change targets, the government has already announced that conventionally powered cars will be phased out by 2040. The Committee on Climate Change estimates that the new net zero target could mean that this date will be brought forward. National Grid ESO’s Future Energy Scenarios show that 11.9 million vehicles could be electric by 2030.[1]
- The Taskforce’s recommendations are made under five themes:
- Theme one: Delivering consumer benefits through interoperability
- Theme two: Rewarding consumers for charging smartly
- Theme three: Utilising and protecting data for better consumer outcomes
- Theme four: Winning consumers’ trust and confidence
- Theme five: Developing and maintaining the charging infrastructure consumers need
More information: lowcvp.org.uk/evet
