A new report revealing the five key conditions required of the UK’s public charging network to meet the needs of drivers, investors and the energy system has been published by the EV Energy Taskforce.

The report has been published by the Government-backed EV Energy Taskforce and makes an independent assessment of the scale of the EV infrastructure challenge facing industry and government

Launched today at an event in Westminster attended by Transport Minister Trudy Harrison, the report has been published by the Government-backed Taskforce and makes an independent assessment of the scale of the EV infrastructure challenge facing industry and government.

Unveiled just days after the UK Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy said that a minimum of 300,000 public charge points will need to be deployed by 2030, the report reveals key conditions that will create the ‘sweet spot’ for success for the charging infrastructure, driving uptake and enabling an efficient and successful transition to electric vehicles in the UK.

Looking at the number of chargers required, the Taskforce has calculated that the UK needs between 253,000 and 661,000 extra charge points by 2035 (with a central estimate of 490,000). Currently, there are fewer than 30,000 in place.

The model assumes that charge points will be built ahead of need to encourage EV uptake while, critically, also allowing operators to gain a return over the lifetime of their installations.

It also warns that near home charging provision will be a critical part of the mix. As many as 50% of public charge points will need to provide charging for drivers in homes without dedicated parking. The Taskforce has said it believes that local rapid-hub charging could provide a key part of this mix. Higher energy throughput gives such installations the potential to offer better economic returns than on-street charging and, importantly, be price competitive for users.

Meanwhile, en route rapid charging is essential to support long-distance journeys. By 2035 60,000 such charge points will be needed along the strategic road network, more than 10 times the number in place today.

The rapid deployment of public charge points at this scale implies total UK investment in public charge points of £7bn by 2035, most of which the Taskforce believes can be delivered by the private sector.

The report also looks at the demand for electricity from the transport sector, and says that smart charging will be an essential component of an efficient, cost-effective and low embedded carbon energy system.

Five key ‘enabling conditions’ 

The Taskforce’s consultation a wide range of expert stakeholders has identified five key ‘enabling conditions’ to ensure the deployment of a charging infrastructure that delivers good value for EV drivers, that is attractive to investors as well as accessible and available enough to meet and build consumers’ confidence about their ability to charge when needed.

The key conditions identified are:

1. Public charging needs to be built ahead of need to gain consumer confidence
2. It’s essential that local authorities have the tools, capabilities, powers and resources to ensure integrated energy and transport planning
3. Public charge points have to be used and usable – visible, accessible, connected, secure and interoperable to gain consumer confidence
4. Smart charging, wherever appropriate, is essential if system cost is to be managed
5. Informing, educating and protecting EV users is critical to create the understanding necessary for mass market uptake

Speaking at today’s event to launch the report, transport minister Trudy Harrison MP said: “I’m delighted to see such brilliant collaboration across industry, as Government and the private sector comes together to make sure we’re EV-fit by the end of the decade.

“The EV Energy Taskforce’s plan comes hot on the heels of our landmark EV Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out our expectation to see around 300,000 chargers across the UK by 2030 – backed by over £1.6bn. The insight of industry is crucial as we roll out the Strategy, and I look forward to continuing to work together as we drive towards our cleaner, greener EV future.”

Commenting on the report, Nina Skorupska, chief executive at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said: “The work of the EV Energy Taskforce highlights the important role that charging infrastructure has to play in making electric vehicles a viable option for all consumers and businesses.

“The UK electric vehicle charging network is already growing rapidly and ahead of demand, driven largely by private investment. To continue delivering infrastructure at the rate required – and to ensure equitable access to charging across the country – a combination of public funding and innovative business models will be needed.

“Combined with the significant public funding announced by Government in their recent EV Infrastructure Strategy, prospects for the UK’s EV charging infrastructure network have never been brighter. Public and private sector stakeholder groups must now come together to ensure that the network continues to grow in the interests of the EV users of today and tomorrow.”

To access the EV Taskforce report, click here.