EV charging stations must be available to everyone
21 June 2023
By Joy Pearson
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As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly growing. With this growth comes the need for widespread public charging infrastructure. In the UK, the government has set a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, which means the demand for public EV charging stations will only increase in the in the coming years.
The UK government has already taken steps to increase the number of public EV charging stations across the country. In 2022, the government announced a £1.3 billion investment to accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure in homes, streets, and motorways. This funding will help local councils and private companies to install thousands of charging points across the country, making it easier for EV drivers to find a charging station.
One of the key ways that public EV charging stations will be implemented across the UK is through partnerships between the government, local councils and private companies. Local councils will work with private companies to identify suitable locations for charging stations, such as public car parks, shopping centers, and transport hubs. These partnerships will also help to secure funding for the installation and maintenance of charging infrastructure.
Another way that public EV charging stations will be implemented across the UK is through the use of smart charging technology. Smart charging technology allows EV's to communicate with the grid, which helps balance the demand for electricity. This means that charging stations can be installed in locations where there is excess capacity on the grid, such as near wind or solar farms. Smart charging technology also enables charging stations to be remotely managed and monitored, which reduces maintenance costs and improves the reliability if the charging network.
The UK government is also encouraging the installation of rapid charging stations along the country's major highways and motorways. Rapid charging stations can charge an EVs battery to 80% capacity in a little as 30 minutes, making them essential for long-distance travel. The government is working with private companies to install rapid charging stations at strategic locations along major highways, ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable and fast charging infrastructure.
Ultimately, public EV charging stations will be implemented across the UK through a combination of partnerships between the government, local councils, and private companies, the use of smart charging technology, and the installation of rapid charging stations along major highways. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, it is essential that the UK invests in public charging infrastructure to ensure that EV drivers have access to reliable and convenient charging stations. With the government's commitment to phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the implementation of public EV charging stations is a vital part of the UK's transition to a greener and more sustainable future.