National Grid proposes superfast charging network for EVs

National Grid has outlined proposals for a countrywide network of superfast chargers in an effort to end range anxiety for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs).

The firm has identified 50 strategic locations around the UK where the transmission and motorways networks overlap, enabling the installation of banks of 350kW chargers which could recharge EV batteries in as little as five minutes.

Around 90 per cent of the population would live within 50 miles of a charging station. As many as 100 chargers would be required at each motorway site – 30 to 50 on each side of the carriageway – creating up to 35MW of demand if all were used at once.

National Grid said between £500 million and £1 billion would need to be invested in grid infrastructure in order to create the charging network.

“Range anxiety is consistently given as a major reason for not buying an electric vehicle and we’ve put forward a solution that addresses this,” said Graeme Cooper, National Grid project director for electric vehicles.

“A number of 350kW rapid chargers over 50 strategic locations would avoid queues at peak times and mean that batteries can charge in five to 15 minutes.”

“If you overlay the motorway network over the electricity transmission network, there is a synergy.  When we mapped England and Wales motorways with the grid, 90 per cent of people using the motorway network would be within 50 miles of a rapid charger.”

The company said it does not intend to install any of the chargers itself but is merely seeking to demonstrate it is possible.

“We want to show that infrastructure needn’t be a barrier to EV growth and a structured and co-ordinated roll out of rapid chargers is achievable,” said Cooper.

“Our solution is about future proofing so that as the EV market grows, the infrastructure is in place to support it. It’s about doing it once and doing it right.”

Meanwhile, Pod Point has launched a new 150kW rapid charger in anticipation of a wave of new cars with bigger batteries and faster charging capabilities.

While most EVs currently on sale are limited to charging at a maximum of 50kW, a number of high-profile cars are set to launch over 2018 with bigger batteries that can charge at a higher power rating.

Although these will initially be premium models representing a small section of the market, the seller said it is only a matter of time before they become mainstream as battery costs continue to fall.

Pod Point chief executive Erik Fairbairn, said: “It will always be most convenient for EV drivers to charge their cars while not in use, such as overnight at home or at the workplace.

“But, access to rapid charging is still vital for those making long journeys, and these high-power rapids will be ideal to support the new wave of premium EVs with en-route highway charging.

“Using our high power 150kW rapids, an EV with a 90kWh battery would be able to charge from flat to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes,” he added. “It’s hugely exciting that Pod Point can now support the faster charging capabilities of this upcoming generation of EVs.”

Pod Point said charging network operators can also buy their 50kW charges with a 150kW+ transformer, allowing them to be upgraded to a higher power rating at a later date.

The company plans to significantly expand its own charging network over 2018, including rolling out the new 150kW chargers. It said it has witnessed a ten-fold increase in the number of charge cycles per months on its network since May, which it sees as a sign of untapped demand.