• • • ELECTRIC VEHICLES • • •
Can we deliver a charging infrastructure that’s fit
for purpose? By Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director at the OpenADR Alliance
he ongoing transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for achieving the UK government’s Net Zero goals. More recent discussions, however, on when to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles, has caused significant uncertainty and hinders progress in the automotive manufacturing and transport industries. This political ‘flip-flopping’ has eroded confidence in the industry and among the general public. The inter-dependent nature of the EV chain needs certainty for planning and execution. This includes the development of a robust EV charging infrastructure. While some progress has been made, there is still work to be done in the UK. For both cars and commercial fleets transitioning to electric, a well-developed charging infrastructure is paramount. The question is whether EV charging is fit for purpose? While the network, systems and platforms are evolving with some innovative solutions, there are still challenges around accessibility, reliability, pricing and payment systems, and, importantly, grid capacity to cope.
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Any infrastructure will have to meet specific needs, adhering to three key principles:
1. Make it accessible and scalable: Public chargers must be designed to be easily accessible to vehicles. The number of chargers will need to cope with the increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road. We’re seeing something akin to a postcode lottery with some areas having little to no charging, while others are well serviced. No surprise that Greater London and the South East record the highest number (over
34,000 combined), while the North East and Northern Ireland record the lowest number (just over 3,000 combined). Finding chargers should not be an issue for drivers, while issues like accessibility features, easy (to understand and use) payment options and convenience is a matter of priority.
2. Speed up fast charging:
Charging should be fast and convenient especially for commercial fleets. This means having charging stations located to provide easy access and to minimise downtime. The number of rapid chargers is increasing. Zap-Map reported that as of April there were more than 15,000 rapid (50kW to 149kW) or ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) in the UK. This is up 33 per cent over the previous year, so the signs are good.
3. Innovation must thrive: Like all technology, the charging network must constantly evolve to be the best it can. Smart technologies that help optimise energy are crucial and, since space is often limited at charging sites, any infrastructure must be designed with space, and again accessibility, in mind.
Smart grid technology will also help future-proof systems and increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. In this context, communication between suppliers and customers becomes more important. Standardised information exchanges on pricing, energy consumption and capacity are essential for effective load control. This enables energy suppliers to respond flexibly to fluctuating demand.
This will change depending on the use case. For example, when it comes to large commercial fleets, the charging solution may need to cover multiple
scenarios, from low power overnight charging to high power fast charging. It will then be required to dynamically change between these two modes to ensure grid capacity is used efficiently. The OpenADR Alliance is a global organisation representing many companies working on charging platforms, solutions and software, including charge point management systems and applications like EV load management, helping to manage these challenges. One example is OpenRoad Technologies, an innovative company that’s meeting the demand from EV fleet operators for fast charging on a smaller footprint and at a low price point. They are in the process of building a modular, true Level 3 fast-charging platform to enhance nationwide charging networks.
It’s a critical time right now for car manufacturers, charge point operators, payment system providers, and so many other technology companies, not forgetting owners of course, with the UK market set to become the single largest EV market in Europe. Yes, there have been challenges along the way. A stagnating EV market, the threat of tariffs, and government inconsistency on EV policy, but it’s exciting to see the opportunities in the road ahead, especially for innovative companies prepared to deliver technologies for an infrastructure that’s fit for purpose.
22 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JUNE 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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