The Journey so far… a new dawn for EV Charging

08 Jun 22

The number of plug-in vehicles on our roads is rapidly increasing but can we keep up with demand?

In 2021, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders calculated this number to be nearly 750,000, an increase of 280% from 2019, but whilst this demonstrates a significant upward trend in electrification, it still only represents a fraction of the 33 million petrol and diesel vehicles on our roads.

The delivery of EV charging infrastructure may eventually lead to a journey that seamlessly starts at home, continues at work, and is maximised when out on the open road. Yet the EV public charging network is not as ubiquitous as a petrol station and growing at only one quarter of the rate of increase in plug-in vehicles.

Recent data from EDF Energy indicates there are 18,116 locations across the UK which have a public charging point installed, accounting for almost 29k devices with a total of 48k charge points connectors. Of these 29k devices, 25% are slow charging, 56% fast,14% rapid and 5% ultra-rapid. Data also shows that London accounts for a significant portion of these locations.

On 15 June 2022 the roll out of Building Regulations Approved Document S ‘Infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles’ will provide technical guidance regarding the installation of charge point requirements. With binding targets, Requirement S1 and Regulation 44D, requires that a new residential building with associated parking must have access to electric vehicle charge points and have a minimum nominal rated output of 7kW.

Whilst the introduction of building regulations for EV charging infrastructure in all new developments should be seen as encouraging start, the binding targets also need to recognise that drivers will primarily top up at home and still need access to public infrastructure.

And with demand already outstripping supply, inconsistent and patchy coverage across the country, and imbalances in rapid and ultra-rapid charging availability, public infrastructure will need to significantly improve if we are to transition to a Net Zero economy.