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[ Green light: EV charging ] Robert Byrne advises: ‘Understanding the load


requirements of the vehicle is important, and as charging may take six or seven hours, it is important to take the time to assess and understand the effects on the infrastructure, and specify the key components correctly.’


Clean and green One major benefit of EVs is that they displace harmful air pollutants from urban to rural areas, where population exposure is lower. Government transport minister, Philip Hammond, claims: ‘Action to support affordable vehicles and more local charging points means we are on the threshold of an exciting green revolution.’ While EVs have zero emissions there are, of course, emissions involved in the production of electricity. Although supportive of the move towards EVs, The Green Party’s leader, Caroline Lucas, warns: ‘EVs are only as green as the electricity they run on, and to make them as green as possible action must be taken to boost the renewable energy industry.’ Assuming that electricity generation will be greener


in the future, EVs could contribute to a considerable reduction in greenhouse gases, and given the ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions, this could prove to be an important factor. However, should the scheme be a success there will


need to be an adequate electricity supply. The ECA’s Steve Bratt comments: ‘If the number of EVs on the road does increase significantly it will be vital to ensure that the National Grid can cope. Without the correct infrastructure, the public could be left stranded as their cars run out of electricity.’


Driving on At the moment there is a fragmented approach to the installation of charging points, with various councils around the country all doing their own thing. Therefore, where you are located can affect how easy it is to own and use an EV. This inconsistent approach also extends to their installation. According to Steve Bratt: ‘At the moment there is no common installation standard to ensure that charging points work properly.’ Robert Byrne adds: ‘Although there are no specific


details covered in BS7671, we apply relevant parts of the standard where we can. Lots of integrators work to the special location sections dealing with caravans and, in particular, the earthing arrangements. I envisage this changing in due course and believe that the relevant bodies will need to identify the issues before they publish any specific guidance.’


Cost effective The EV sector is certainly moving in a positive direction, but there is still the issue of the cost of EVs themselves. Although the government’s £5,000 incentive will no doubt make them more affordable, they are still considerably more expensive than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle. Then, of course, there is the fact that there are still relatively few charging points for EVs.


Road facts


n Electric motors convert 75 per cent of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels – internal combustion engines only convert 20 per cent of the energy stored in petrol.


n 21 per cent of all UK greenhouse gas emissions are produced by domestic transport. n Electric cars currently available in the UK tend to have a range between 90 and 100 miles before they need to be recharged.


n 64 per cent of all journeys made by passenger cars are less than 25 miles. n Charging can take eight hours through a standard charging point or half an hour for an 80 per cent charge via a fast charging station.


n Charging an EV will cost slightly more than a pint of milk. n EVs qualify for road tax exemption and free entry into congestion charge zones. n Electric engines have far fewer moving parts than a combustion engine and EV manufacturers claim this will ensure reliability and easier servicing.


Byrne believes that this is something of a chicken and


egg situation. He explains: ‘We have a situation where the cars are not widely available so the need for charging points does not seem important. However, without the infrastructure, people will be discouraged from buying the vehicles. As more vehicles become available through 2011 and 2012, then the requirement for charging points will follow.’


Opportunity knocks It is clear that this is a growing market and the success that EVolution has experienced shows that there are clear opportunities for electrical contractors. However, any company looking to diversify must be careful to understand the issues they will face, not just in terms of technology but in bureaucracy as well.


March 2011 ECA Today 39


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