FEATURE EV CHARGING
TURN ON THE POWER: Supporting Europe’s electric highway
urope’s most prominent automotive manufacturers, energy providers and transport agencies are coming together to develop a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the continent. The cooperative network is set to boost the already emerging ‘electric highway,’ connecting most of Europe’s capitals together with rapid EV charging stations, which will allow electric car users to charge their vehicles in minutes and get back on the road. This movement is no different within
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the UK, with large amounts of investment being injected into the development of EV charging stations, in expectation of automotive manufacturers focusing upon EV production due to clear changes in market trends and consistently rising fuel prices.
THE RISE OF THE EV MOVEMENT According to insights provided from data company Emu Analytics, it is estimated that there will be over one million EVs on the UK’s roads within the next two years. In turn, this will generate a requirement for six times more EV charging points than are currently in use. Britain’s infrastructural development
bodies are also joining the race, such as the National Grid, which is developing plans to install over 50 quick-charging points for EVs across the nation’s motorway network. The tactically placed top-
Jeremy Scholefield, director of Strategic Business at TR Fastenings
of-the-line 350kW EV charging points will allow most electric vehicles to be fully charged in under eight minutes, completely revolutionising long-distance travel using an electric vehicle. This rapid-charge technology is expected to further increase the number of EV purchases within the UK as users no longer have distance-battery concerns. In the capital the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched plans to further increase the amount of EV charging stations. Looking at optimising the EV charging infrastructure in London, Khan, who views EV charging as “vital to the future of our city,” hopes to increase user uptake of electric transport in the capital by installing an extra 50 EV charging points by 2020. Many other cities and towns are following in a similar manner.
BUILDING AN EV INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET CONSUMER DEMAND As the EV movement grows, so does consumer interest and demand, although there is still some way to go before electric becomes a mainstream vehicle choice. As a consequence of wider spread consumer engagement, we will see charging infrastructure spread to commonly frequented areas such as hotels, workplaces and supermarkets. Currently, only three per cent of UK supermarkets have developed EV charging points and therefore spending on their growth is expected to rise exponentially to keep up with the UK’s need to build 83,500 new EV charging points by 2020.
28 JUNE 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
HOW MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAINS CAN PLAY A PART As the requirement for robust EV charging points continues to grow, it is vital that the manufacturing supply chain is engaged to support this growing sector and in particular, to offer resources and consulting to the emerging players who will one day dominate in this space. At TR Fastenings, branded ranges of sheet metal fasteners, thread-forming screws for plastics/metals, plastic hardware, enclosure hardware, security fasteners and standard fastenings are the suitable components for EV charging units, so we have been able to work closely with companies working in this sector, advising them on the parts and processes they require plus highlighting any challenges or pitfalls they may come across in the manufacturing process. For the ‘electric highway’ initiative to be successful, manufacturers and sub-contractors must work together early on in the development process, specifically right from the start, to ensure the correct ‘Design for Manufacturing (DfM)’ considerations allowing the customers to make the best informed decisions. Discussing cost-efficiency, sourcing and product lifecycle issues at the design table means that potential difficulties can be identified and addressed early, avoiding later costly delays. Our heritage and experience spans not
only the fasteners needed for the EV charging stations but also the pressures and opportunities involved in working within intricate global supply chain networks. Our extensive knowledge of automotive, electronics and technology sectors means that when working with emerging EV related businesses, we can assist them in understanding and navigating the market, which will assist them in alleviating any challenges they may face.
The EV charging unit market will be an exciting sector to watch and be involved in as it will inevitably continue to grow and evolve over the coming years. The major challenge now for all involved will be to harness the spark of growing consumer interest in EVs, and foster this with the necessary resources, infrastructure and awareness that will allow it to develop. We look forward to working with our customers and with emerging brands as they take on this challenge head first and become part of the next phase of automotive history.
TR Fastenings
www.trfastenings.com
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