Energy networks ‘well-placed’ for EV uptake

Energy networks say they are well-placed for an increased uptake of electric vehicles, following MPs’ calls to now phase out petrol and diesel cars earlier than 2040.

An unprecedented joint report today (15 March) from four Commons committees demands faster progress on a Clean Air Strategy and a “clean air fund” financed by the motor industry to tackle the UK’s “poisonous air”.

Amongst the recommendations from the Environment, Health, Transport and Environmental Audit committees, is a call to ensure the country’s [electric] charging infrastructure “addresses strategic needs and prioritises air quality hotspots”.

The matter it said had become a national health emergency causing 40,000 early deaths a year and costing an annual £20 billion. It also demanded the Treasury take greater account of air pollution when setting tax policy.

“…The government has still not produced a plan that adequately addresses the scale of the challenge. Nor has it demonstrated the national leadership needed to bring about a step change in how the problem of air quality is tackled”, claims the report.

Randolph Brazier, head of innovation at Energy Networks Association, said: “Our energy networks are well placed to manage an uptake of electric vehicles as part of their commitment to building a smarter, cleaner energy system that Britain needs – and one that delivers benefits for us all, that includes enabling the uptake of new energy technologies, like EVs, in communities across the country.”

In recent years, he said, we have seen a far greater increase in the take up of solar PV than expected. Through innovation projects supported by the price control system, its members are building on the lessons learnt from that to prepare for a similar rapid take up for EVs.

“At the moment our members are looking at a range of key initiatives that will help manage the impact of electric vehicles. They include flexible connections, the Open Networks project, standards development and data sharing, which will reduce the potential cost of investment through increased use of distributed energy resources and flexibility services alongside more traditional investment.”

Energy UK said that whilst it would support bringing forward the deadline, it made it “even more pressing” for the industry to quickly tackle important technical issues, such as ensuring customers are able to charge their electric vehicle (EV) when they need to.

It added: “That’s why, just this week, we have launched a consultation on developing standards for smart EV charging and are inviting comments from all interested stakeholders across the energy, automotive and technology industries.

“The benefits of electric vehicle uptake, essential at a time when we need to improve air quality and reduce transport emissions, far outweigh the potential barriers and we are stepping up to the challenge to enable the transition to low carbon transport.”

Responding to the report’s recommendations, Erik Fairbairn, chief executive of Pod Point, a leading UK provider of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, said market forces would play the biggest role in making any faster phase-out happen, rather than government intervention.

The key barriers that have delayed the transition to electric vehicles – price, range, access to charging and battery life – he said were disappearing. “The price of battery packs – by far the most expensive component of an EV – is in freefall, from $1,000/kWh in 2010 to $209/kWh in 2017, while technology advances have significantly increased lifespans.”

Price parity (based on total cost of ownership over a three-year lease), he added, has already been achieved. “By the early 2020s, with the cost of battery packs continuing to fall, it will be cheaper to own and maintain an EV than a petrol or diesel vehicle.”

He said the issue of range would also be resolved as early as this year, with a number of 200+-mile mid-market EVs set to launch, including the Tesla Model 3, the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi e-tron.

“All these factors will play a role in sending the industry into hypergrowth. By 2025 there will be no reason to opt for a petrol or diesel vehicle over an EV.”

Some environmental groups have reportedly already described the 2040 UK deadline as a distraction, pointing to India’s aim for a 2030 phase-out and Norway’s transportation plan for all car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by as early as 2025.