[ Spotlight: EV charging ]
Opportunity knocks There are already opportunities for electrical contractors in the installation and maintenance of charging points. However, it is diffi cult to know exactly what level this will rise to, especially for publicly accessible charging stations and DC. There is also little detailed information about how well
the units will operate under the combined effects of use, potential abuse and climate changes. However, Eaton’s Philip Dingle advises: ‘Be prepared. This is not a volume market now, but it could be very soon depending on how the market reacts to new EV models from the mainstream automotive manufacturers later this year and into next.’ One success story is Coventry based Evolution, which
designs, supplies, installs and maintains EV charging points across the UK. The company’s EV infrastructure manager, Robert Byrne, says: ‘This is a relatively new business area, and having been in it since the beginning, we have been able to advise and coordinate the successful installation of charging points using our in-house electrical technology skills.’
The journey ahead Some 25 per cent of cars sold in Japan are EVs, and although there’s still a long way to go in terms of making the UK a nation of EV owners, the progress that has been made so far is encouraging. Opportunities certainly exist for electrical contractors in this sector, but a full understanding of what’s involved is imperative before making that step.
Sundog Energy managing director Bill Roberts uses solar PV energy to power his electric vehicle
On the move
Sundog Energy’s innovative managing director, Bill Roberts, is using the sun to power his EV. The energy is generated directly from the company’s new state-of-the-art 14kWp roof top solar PV installation, and, having just clocked 10,000 miles in less than six months, his Nissan LEAF appears on the Nissan telemetrics website as one of the world’s highest mileage EVs. Roberts regularly uses the car to travel to and
from work, and the LEAF is available for use by any member of the Sundog team. Running on 100 per cent electric power, it emits no CO2
-free. or other exhaust
fumes and, when it is charged with solar electricity, it is entirely CO2
The LEAF’s advanced technology means it is also
considerably cheaper to run than a conventional family hatchback. While it would cost around 15 pence per mile in fuel to drive an equivalent sized petrol car, it can cost less than 2p per mile – depending on an individual’s electricity tariff and time of charging. Roberts comments: ‘Motoring is a major cause of carbon emissions, so by shifting to solar powered electric cars, individuals and small businesses reduce their carbon footprint.’
The government believes that the use of EVs is a key component in achieving its environmental targets
About the author
Rob Shepherd Rob Shepherd is a freelance journalist and regular contributor to ECA Today. He has worked in the electrical contracting industry for more than 12 years.
March 2012 ECA Today 55
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