The electric vehicle (EV) sector is on the brink of transformation, driven by government policies aimed at accelerating EV adoption. However, this shift requires a significant increase in accessible EV charging points across our roads.
Enter GRIDSERVE, a leading technology driven sustainable energy company dedicated to achieving net zero transport by rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure. Their innovative Electric Forecourts®, like the one at our Markham Vale development in the East Midlands, are key to this mission.
In this article, GRIDSERVE’s Raoul Tufnell shares the company’s vision and discusses how developers like HBD are crucial in expanding the UK’s EV charging network.
The EV sector is at a pivotal moment, with exciting opportunities as well as significant challenges on the horizon. A new government that has reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 phase out of new petrol and diesel cars will drive more people to invest in EVs, accelerating the shift toward a greener future.
Challenges in adoption
While government policy is encouraging electrification of the transport sector, significant barriers remain in the way of mass EV adoption. One of the key challenges is anticipating demand and ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support it. GRIDSERVE is addressing this by leveraging charging data more effectively and working closely with electricity network operators to secure viable connections in the right location.
The cost of energy and recent fluctuations in energy prices impact the cost per mile to drive electric, and this in conjunction with a well organised anti EV press, has undermined public enthusiasm to transition to EV.
There are however positive indicators, not least last month when total new car registrations were marginally down, there was a 10.8% increase in BEV registrations, when compared to the same month last year and BEVs have now reached a total market share of sale of 22% (See SMMT.co.uk).
GRIDSERVE believes that the creation of flagship, customer centric Electric Forecourts® alongside a range of dependable charging infrastructure, that suits the needs of the location, will help accelerate the transition to e-mobility.
Finding the physical space for these charging stations remains a challenge; it is a combination of retrofitting the built environment, and forward planning their integration into new development proposals at the design stage..
Cross sector collaboration
This is where collaboration with forward thinking partners like HBD becomes crucial. We highly value such partnerships, as they enable us to create innovative solutions that align with the needs of different developments.
For example, at HBD’s Markham Vale scheme in Derbyshire, we are installing a flagship EV infrastructure with a range of amenities.. That model is not a one size fits all solution and to enhance our partnership, we need to be able to deploy different infrastructure types to suit each strategic location. This means being mindful of existing developments and retrofitting where appropriate, without compromising biodiversity or detracting from the public realm. For new sites, our goal is to collaborate with developers early on, making our charging infrastructure a central part of the design process as opposed to an afterthought.
The design process can respond to the infrastructure needs of the development as a whole. As businesses and broader communities decarbonise, the demand for charging infrastructure deepens but also broadens across other mobility segments. We’re committed to working closely with developers like HBD to add significant value to their offerings, whether by incorporating EV energy provision into workspaces, industrial and logistics schemes, or even residential projects. By working hand in hand, we can help HBD offer more to their occupiers, ensuring they are prepared for the future of sustainable transport.
Innovations
Like GRIDSERVE, HBD is just as focused on innovation, and its commitment to investing in sustainable initiatives will help accelerate of GRIDSERVE sites.
As we invest in new technologies, we seek landowners and development partners who understand the importance of integrating tech driven solutions. Technology, including the recent launch of the GRIDSERVE App, will help optimise the deployment of charging infrastructure and provide customers what they want; understanding what charging needs are now and in the future will enable us to enhance the experience of driving electric, accelerate the transition to e-mobility and ensure we can bring dependable, easy to use infrastructure to new developments.
Collaboration is essential in innovation and there are positive signs for the sector in the Government’s commitment to reinstating the 2030 ban on the sale of Internal Combustion Engine passenger vehicles, positive signs for how Permitted Development Rights can evolve to accommodate ancillary electrical infrastructure for EV charging and continued discussions around the review of VAT for both public charging and the purchase of Battery Electric Vehicles.
The future
Ultimately, mass adoption and universal access to EVs are at the core of our mission. This means considering everyone’s circumstances, not just the current EV owners who have the convenience of charging at home.
As we move toward mass adoption, charging habits will shift, with peak public charging times likely flattening to account for those unable to charge at home and the potential to see charging infrastructure as a piece of essential community infrastructure, rather like a conventional Petrol Filling Station.
This shift presents a significant opportunity for developers. By working together, we can enhance the customer experience by creating new spaces and public amenities that cater to individuals seeking to maximise their dwell time.
The strength of development partnerships will unlock sites like those we’re delivering with HBD. Charging infrastructure and our Electric Forecourt(R) as one such flagship node, will accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.