EV Charging – The Clock Is Ticking!
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, thanks to increased demand and availability of electric models. Over 530,000 battery-electric cars are in the UK, plus 405,000 plug-in hybrids. The electric car industry is on the rise, with more and more people switching to EVs daily. But as the demand for EVs grows, so makes the demand for EV charging stations. Right now, there are 42,000 charging points in 15,500 locations. This may seem like a large number, but when you consider that there are over 500,000 (and ever-increasing) electric vehicles on the road, that number seems a lot less.
There may only be 8,300 petrol stations in the UK but remember that they can turn over vehicles in a matter of minutes. Even with fast chargers, it is unlikely to get a full charge in less than 30 minutes. So, this number needs to snowball to meet the needs of EV drivers. If you’re considering installing an EV charging station at your home or business, now is the time to do it! We’ll explore the benefits of EV charging stations and why you should install one today.
Service Benefits
The Growth of Electric Vehicles - Can the Infrastructure Catch Up?
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is growing exponentially. In 2016, there were approximately 1.2 million EVs worldwide. By 2025, that number is expected to grow to over 30 million. With this rapid growth, the demand for EV charging stations will also increase. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the number of public and private EV chargers will need to increase from 2.8 million in 2016 to 7.2 million by 2025 to meet the anticipated demand. If we look at stats within the UK, just last year, electric vehicles saw a growth in sales of around 92%
However, installing EV charging infrastructure is not as simple as adding more gas station pumps. The electrical grid was not designed with EVs in mind and, therefore, will need significant upgrades to accommodate the increased demand for electricity that EVs will bring about. In addition, installing government-led EV charging infrastructure is often slow and bureaucratic. It can take years for a city or state to approve and install a new public charger, during which time the number of EVs on the road continues to grow. A lot of power is required to power these electric vehicles; not only will the grid have to restructure to accommodate, but it will also likely have to increase its energy output to keep up with this ever-increasing demand.
The good news is that many companies are working on innovative solutions to address these challenges and make it easier and faster to install EV charging infrastructure. You may have seen EV charging points popping up across the country, from supermarkets to businesses and car parks. It seems as if this market sector is making the most in rows to catch up with rising demand as opposed to local governments.
A sustainable Approach to Running and Sustaining Vehicles - EV Charging Points
However, even as the EV charging infrastructure expands, several challenges still need to be addressed to ensure its sustainability. One of the biggest challenges is funding. Installing and maintaining EV charging stations can be expensive, and many station owners rely on government subsidies or private investment to cover the costs in the current economic climate. Another challenge is siting and zoning. For an EV charging station to be successful, it needs to be located in an area with high foot traffic or a high concentration of EVs. This can often be difficult to find, especially in urban areas where space is limited. Finally, there is the issue of interoperability.
With so many different types of EVs on the market, each with its unique charging requirements, it can be difficult for station owners to support all of them. As a result, many stations only offer one or two chargers, limiting their usefulness for drivers with other types of EVs.
How Do Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging points work, and What do They Cost?
Electric vehicle (EV) charging points are devices that transfer electricity from a power source to electric vehicles, typically using a cable. The charging process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the charger type and the battery’s size.
AC Level 1 and 2 Chargers:
The most common type of EV charger is an AC Level 1 or 2 charger, which uses alternating current (AC) to charge the battery. These portable chargers are plugged into a standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. AC chargers typically take 4-8 hours to charge a battery fully.
DC Fast Chargers:
DC fast chargers are designed for quick charging and use direct current (DC) to charge the battery. DC chargers are usually installed at public charging stations and can charge a battery in 30 minutes to an hour. However, DC fast chargers are much more expensive than AC chargers and require special equipment that may not be compatible with all EVs.
While some chargers are accessible to customers (supermarkets), this will not be the case forever; this is merely a way of aiding the transition to electric vehicles. If you were to charge your car at home (Tesla Model S, for example), it would likely cost you around £19 for a full charge. The cost of a public/private charger would probably be more, but compare this to the price of filling up your motor vehicle. While the startup costs may seem expensive, like many other renewable technologies, it pays itself tenfold in the long run.