COVER STORY | ELECTRIC VEHICLES
■ Co-ordinating energy and
transport planning to ensure we
have the right infrastructure in the
right place.
The Taskforce states that “the
transition to electric motoring is
now well under way”, but that the
pace must increase. Road transport
accounts for 28% of the UK’s total
energy consumption and 25% of
carbon emissions.
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
The Taskforce
expects electric
vehicles to become
ubiquitous on Britain’s
roads, providing a
significant challenge –
and opportunity – for
the UK’s electricity
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
the launch event in Westminster,
Minister for the Future of Transport
George Freeman said: “We are 100%
committed to decarbonising the UK’s
road network. Our £1.5bn Road to
Zero strategy is supporting a thriving
electric vehicle market.
“Government commissioned the
Taskforce to advise how we can best
work with industry to make sure
the energy system is ready for the
transition to electric vehicles. This
report provides important evidence
to shape the next stage of our Road to
Zero roadmap.”
Business Minister Nadhim
Zahawi said: “From cycling,
to opting for an airline that
offsets its carbon emissions,
the ways we travel are
changing as the UK makes
positive strides towards
ending its contribution to
global warming by 2050.
This report takes us a step
closer towards the mass
uptake of electric vehicles
on our streets – providing
guidance to ensure our energy
system is prepared for an electric
transport revolution and helping
consumers top-up their vehicle more
cheaply and conveniently on the go.”
Key to take-up, of course, is
convincing the consumer. In the
report, it was suggested that an
effectively managed integration of
electric vehicles with the energy
system can bring significant
consumer benefits including lower
costs and a seamless recharging
experience. Indeed, it suggested
that under certain circumstances, the
introduction of ‘smart’ charging could
enable a typical motorist to enjoy
very low – or even zero – motoring
energy costs, potentially saving £70
per month or more.
An AA Populus survey of over
17,000 motorists found that the vast
majority of motorists underestimate
network
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