With the 2030 target for phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles nearing, a new report finds that data will play a critical role in tackling the challenges of the charge point infrastructure roll out, Distribution Network Operator (DNO) capacity and meeting end-user demand.

The report says EV charge point should be made plentiful and accessible for all

Published by data innovation firm CKDelta, the ‘Predictive Analytics: Powering an Electric Vehicle Revolution’ report also includes insight from British energy provider Good Energy and energy services provider Ista Energy UK to better understand how predictive analytics tools can help DNOs, charge point operators, estate managers and EV manufacturers facilitate growth.

A core part of the report is on how the adoption of open simulation tools can bring greater transparency for stakeholders, improving accessibility to charge points in ‘left behind’ and rural areas, and the wholesale uptake of real-time data tools for the development and management of EV infrastructure.

The report also identifies the disparity between reality and the Government’s vision: at the start of 2021, 150,000 zero-emission battery electric vehicles were in use on the nation’s road network.

A major ramp-up of charge points is needed to facilitate EV take-up; latest Zap-Map data as of today (20 August 2021) reveals charge points are installed in just 15,885 locations in the UK so an additional 35,000 charge points will need to be installed per year to make a ban on fossil fuel-powered vehicles viable.

The report concludes that to meet these challenges head on industry must make use of data-driven modelling and simulation to plan for, and execute, a smooth transition to an economically and environmentally sustainable transport sector.

Geoff McGrath, managing director of CKDelta, commented: “The Government’s decision to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2030 was met with cheers from those in pursuit of a cleaner, greener economy, but the successful implementation of such an eco-minded ban will depend a great deal on several variables – including the viable provision of alternative fuel such as electricity and ‘green’ transportation.

“To achieve this ambitious target, CKDelta has set out four recommendations that we believe can drive forward the change we need to see today, to make a more sustainable tomorrow.

“We are calling on the Government to commit to investing in ‘left behind’ areas to reduce the risk of creating a two-speed transport network. This also means encouraging EV charge point use by making them plentiful and accessible for all. We are also urging industry to rip up the rule book and focus on decision making using near real-time data. This is our opportunity to act decisively based on data-driven insight, not ‘finger-in-the-air’ judgements.

“Finally, industry must seize the initiative and break down barriers by changing perceptions and busting myths. We must be honest and transparent with consumers or risk leaving the door to an electric future firmly locked.”

To read the report, click here.