Charging the transition to EVs – infrastructure, investment and innovation

As with all of the headline topics up for discussion at climate summit COP26, transport had its own day and its own moment. ‘Transport Day’, on November 10^th 2021, provided a platform for world leaders to pledge their commitment to accelerating the transition to 100% zero emissions vehicles as well as decarbonising aviation and shipping. In many developed countries – the UK included – the transport sector is responsible for being the biggest emitter of harmful greenhouse gases, so the task to decarbonise is considerable and progress will be carefully scrutinised.

One of the most significant pledges that emerged from Transport Day was that of a global agreement by governments, automobile manufacturers, businesses and investors to work towards achieving 100% zero emissions car and van sales by 2035 in leading markets, followed by all others by 2040.

With the majority of zero emissions cars, vans, buses and trucks planned to be electric vehicles (EV), do we have the infrastructure to support this essential transition?

Innovation and infrastructure to support electric vehicles

It will undoubtedly require heavy investment, but with UK Transport Secretary Grant Schapps  saying: “My vision is for the UK to have one of the best EV infrastructure networks in the world”, there’s obviously a commitment that goes along with the acknowledgement of its importance.

The comment came in relation to the government’s unveiling of a new EV chargepoint prototype at COP26 (see the video below for the unveiling), which was designed by PA Consulting in collaboration with the Royal College of Art with the intention of it becoming as iconic as Royal Mail’s red postboxes.

However, despite these undertakings to change, there is still some confusion about how it’s all going to happen. Prior to the disclosure of the UK government’s net-zero strategy in October this year, scepticism was high about its ability to deliver an EV infrastructure that could support the zero emissions vehicle targets as agreed at COP26. Indeed there are still raised eyebrows about how the UK’s EV infrastructure will be rolled out to enable a seamless transition. Let’s look at what’s been promised in terms of investment?

Net-zero strategy and investment in EV

Since Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed his ten point plan for a green industrial revolution in November 2020, the commitments made then have been built on with the additional release of the government’s net-zero strategy. The strategy confirmed funding of £620 million for EV infrastructure (which also includes further funding for local infrastructure, concentrating on residential street charging) and for zero emission vehicle grants. There was also further funding of £350 million allocated for support of the electrification of vehicles in the UK and their supply chains.

The motivation for the funding was driven by the recognition that in order to meet all the targets as agreed at COP26, we need a secure, reliable and accessible network of chargepoints across the UK. The infrastructure needs to be such that it meets the demands of current EV motorists and will accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles we will see using our transportation networks as we head towards that first crucial goal of 2035.

Further information is expected when the government publishes its EV infrastructure strategy, which will lay out the vision for the infrastructure rollout, and in the EV infrastructure guide for local authorities that is also due for publication very soon.

Inteb and future-proofing infrastructure

Our industry expertise includes managing DNO POC’s, supply contracts, and sub metering which means we can help our clients make the right decisions, plan for future growth, and optimise costs and ROI.

If you need information about what opportunities EV infrastructure and charging can bring to your business, get in touch. Whether you want expert advice on technology, infrastructure and payment options; or if you need a reliable installer, Inteb can help you every step of the way.

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