Electric cars how likely is it they become the norm?
Electric cars have been around for over a century, and yet they are only just beginning to become a driving force in the industry. With cars rapidly changing, thanks to technological advances, autonomous cars are expected by 2020. An all-electric car future, how likely is it? It’s likely to take time but there is an expectancy that an all-electric car future is going to happen. Ministers have been informed that most new cars will need to be electric by 2030. With a 27% increase in electric car purchases, compared to previous years. If the government is to reach a target of 3 out of 5 cars to be electric within 10 years more needs to be done to make this a reality. The buzzword at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017 was ‘electrification’. This meant that every car of a certain brand will be available in an electric version. While there are currently models such as the Smart car available under its umbrella, Mercedes’ parent company, Daimler, announced at the German event that they too would have electric versions of its own fleet by 2022. Why not check out one of the many Mercedes A Class Finance plans that they have? There’s plenty available! However, this didn’t necessarily mean that they would be a fully electric battery-powered vehicle, as the term could also refer to hybrid models. When can we expect an all-electric future? It’s right that protecting the environment has become a worldwide issue. Whether it’s cutting back on unnecessary plastic usage, or cutting back on emissions, creating a greener environment is at the forefront of our plans. Purchasing an electric car can personally save you money in the long term and Go Ultra Low also claims that a full charge could cost as little as £3, meaning it may cost approximately 3p per mile. One key way to improve our air quality and meet climate goals is by having electric vehicles and new diesel and petrol cars are planned to cease production by 2040. It has been proposed that these vehicles will be off the roads altogether 10 years later. With emission charges already in place in London, other major motorways, including the M4 and M32, are expected to start holding pollution taxes by 2020, meaning that you’ll need to switch to electric cars to avoid these costs. What is being done to accommodate this? There were approximately 12,000 electric car charging points in the UK in February 2017. By July 2018, that figure had risen to over 17,000 across 6,000 locations and by January 2019, Zap Map reported that that figure was closing in to the 20,000 mark. Worldwide, there are over two million ports, but for the public to go fully electric, this number will have to dramatically increase. Not only that, but there will have to be a lot more batteries produced, and the power to charge them would have to be generated somewhere. EV charger installation is now a big part of the action plans for power companies as they bid to provide a low-carbon connection gateway. Why are electric cars popular? There’ll always be the power to utilise thanks to electricity being increasingly provided by renewable sources. Also, the price of electric cars is steadily coming down, making the initial outlay a lot less hefty. They also need a lot less maintenance care, as they have 10-times fewer moving parts to cars powered by diesel or petrol. As electric cars steadily increase in numbers as the government continues its push for the ‘electric takeover’ it’s evident that, one day, we are likely to see an all-electric future. Whether it happens in the time frame proposed, we will just have to wait and see! Take a look at our article on the Electric car revolution which is set to create over 1 million new jobs
PLUG IN SUFFOLK – UK’s FIRST ‘FULLY OPEN’ ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING NETWORK
EO Charging, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging manufacturers, has today launched Plug In Suffolk in partnership with Suffolk County Council and renewable energy provider Bulb. This is the country’s first ‘fully open’ public fast charging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, meaning EV drivers simply pay by contactless payment with no need to register with networks or become members of organisations. The first Plug in Suffolk charging location has today been unveiled at Urban Jungle Plant Nursery and Cafe in Beccles. The company offer two 7kW EO chargers alongside the EO Pay kiosk, allowing members of the public and employees to charge their electric vehicles. Plug In Suffolk will see the installation of electric vehicle charging stations (up to 400 individual sockets) across the county at 100 key locations and business addresses. Once completed the charging network will be available for all plug-in vehicle drivers with each charging location listed on www.pluginsuffolk.org or searchable via Zap Map and Google Maps. Charlie Jardine, Founder and CEO of EO Charging, said: “Suffolk’s existing charging infrastructure is simply not fit for purpose if we are to see the mass adoption of EVs across the county. The Plug In Suffolk network will play a vital role in increasing the density of publicly available fast EV chargers and will ensure that driving electric in Suffolk is hassle-free. Charging should be as easy as buying groceries, simply tap-and-go! We want to support Suffolk County Council’s ambition of Creating the Greenest County and firmly believe that implementing this network is an important piece of the puzzle. We’re also pretty excited to be launching the network on our home soil here in Suffolk!” Councillor Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection at Suffolk County Council, said: “We’re working to reduce the barriers that drivers face when thinking about switching to EVs here in Suffolk. Installing charging infrastructure that not only covers a large rural area but is also available to all electric vehicle drivers is most certainly a challenge! We’re confident, however, that the Plug In Suffolk network will be a solution for many plug-in drivers. The network is another commitment towards Creating the Greenest County for Suffolk and will drive traffic to Suffolk’s businesses and provide them with the opportunity to financially capitalise on the increasing demand for EV charging in the region. Given their technical and local expertise, it is exciting to launch this initiative alongside Stowmarket-based EO Charging.” EO Charging has also partnered with Bulb, Britain’s biggest green energy supplier, to offer Suffolk businesses the opportunity to switch to 100% renewable electricity. Businesses that become a part of the ‘Plug In Suffolk’ network will be able to switch to Bulb, who provide affordable renewable energy at prices on average 15% lower than standard energy tariffs offered by the ‘Big Six’. Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino, Head of Bulb Labs, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with EO Charging and Suffolk County Council to bring convenient EV charging to the people of Suffolk. We’re on a mission to make the UK the greenest country on earth and are working to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the UK. Plug in Suffolk represents a significant step on the way towards building the infrastructure we need to make that happen.” Suffolk businesses can now apply to become part of the Plug In Suffolk network, by completing a simple application form at www.pluginsuffolk.org Businesses that install the ‘EO Pay’ unit and become part of the Plug In Suffolk network, will be able to charge visitors to charge their electric vehicle. Host businesses have the option to pay upfront for the chargers or alternatively can spread the cost through EO Charging’s new pay per day funding model – ‘Charging-as-a-Service’. EO Charging is currently in discussion with a number of other counties and local authorities across the UK to launch similar projects to support the growing popularity for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. For further information or to apply to join the Plug In Suffolk network please click here.
Electric car revolution set to create over 1 million new jobs
New EV jobs set to more than double losses incurred in traditional car industry Over one million new jobs are set to be created in the European electric car market by 2050, according to a new report from the European Association of Electrical Contractors (AIE). The AIE study found that full electrification of the passenger car market across the current 28 members of the EU would generate 1.2 million jobs. These would largely be associated with the manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of charging points and batteries, and electricity generation. Significantly, if only 35 per cent of new cars registered in the EU28 in 2030 are electric, nearly 200,000 jobs would be created in the sector. This figure could more than double the number that could be lost in the traditional car market as a result of the electric car revolution. Giorgia Concas, Secretary General of AIE, commented: “The shift to electric cars is expected to create 200,000 new jobs by 2030, the majority for electrical contractors across Europe. Electromobility is a massive business opportunity for local companies to generate local, green, highly skilled jobs.” Luke Osborne, Energy & Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor at ECA, commented: “Electric vehicles are a fast-evolving area. The benefits to both the economy and the environment are potentially huge. With regard to business opportunities, employment opportunities and the economic gains for society, the future looks bright.” “If the government wants to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040 and adhere to its Road to Zero plan, a robust public electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be a vital priority, especially for the 43 per cent of households without access to off-street parking.” ECA provides guidance and professional advice to help its near 3,000 member businesses navigate the process of registering with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) in order to access and facilitate grants for EV installations. ECA has also produced comprehensive information and guidance relating to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671) and EV charging.
Rolec EV Expansion Increases Production By Over 200%
Lincolnshire based Rolec EV, manufacturer of Europe’s largest range of EV charging points, has announced the opening of a new factory complex to increase production output by over 200%, with the creation of a further 50 full-time jobs. The new factory will complement Rolec’s existing Head Office, stores, factory and showroom in Boston, which already employs over 100 people – taking Rolec’s total staff levels to over 150. Kieron Alsop, Managing Director of Rolec, commented: “We are delighted to be in a position to further expand our operations with the introduction of a purpose designed factory complex dedicated to the manufacture of EV charging points. “We will continue to manufacture our existing range of products for the caravan, marina and outdoor power solution industries at our Head Office location, a site we are also planning to expand in the near future.” Kieron continued: “The new location will enable us to substantially increase production output, as well as further develop our range of smart charging solutions – including the new DC rapid and Ultrafast products, and recently released EV charging streetlight range.” For more information about Rolec EV’s charging points call 01205 724754, email rolec@rolecserv.co.ukor go to www.rolecserv.com
Electric vehicles brings lifestyle change to Birmingham CEO
With two electric vehicles (EVs) and more planned for his business in Birmingham, Ben Allan, CEO of Miso, is a recent convert of green technology and has totally changed the way he plans his working day to ensure he always has enough charge in his car. Interested in the concept of EVs and lured by the large tax breaks available from the Government, Allan took the plunge and bought two new electric vehicles – a Tesla Model X, as his company car, and a Hyundai Ioniq as the family car. The charging speed for the cars was initially slow and lengthy as it was only 3kW from a three pin-plug, so Allan applied for an OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) Grant, also known as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), so he would be eligible to receive up to £500 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point. Allan contacted three OLEV accredited EV charging installers in the local Birmingham area to install two electric vehicle chargers at his home. Mr. Electric® was one of the Government approved electrical business’s who was approached and consequently won the work due to its exceptional customer service. Mr. Electric took over the grant application for its customer and recommended the installation of two EO Charging home chargers. Designed, manufactured and tested in the UK, the EO home charger was the ideal charging solution as it was simple, affordable, wall mounted and suitable for charging all types of EVs. Another key functionality was the speed and ease of charging – with a power rating of 7.2kW, the chargers had a charge time of three hours. “I was so impressed with Mr. Electric from the outset and the fact that we have asked them to possibly install car charging points at my company is testament to the work they have already done”, added Ben Allan. “The team provided a quality service from beginning to end and continue to show their high levels of professionalism and expertise in the EV market. They have done everything from the initial site survey to understanding my requirements and then the installation at home. “Driving the Tesla is undoubtedly fun and hugely enjoyable, particularly now that I can charge it easily and quickly at home. I plan my days around the car by setting off earlier to meetings if I know that I have to stop and charge mid journey – in just 30 minutes I can be fully charged, respond to emails and be on top of my work. Although many people are daunted by the high prices of electric cars, plus the limited mileage range, and where they can recharge their vehicles, this hasn’t been the case at all for me. Undoubtedly, the real advantage for me lies in the running costs – with big savings on fuel costs, servicing and car parking – and the charging, which has been seamless thanks to Mr. Electric and their expertise.” Dominic Longley, Director of Mr. Electric Birmingham North believes we have a corporate social responsibility towards the environment and fully supports the growing demand for sustainable green transport technology. “It is great to see so many of our customers embracing these emerging technologies both at home and in the workplace. We are continuing to build our relationship with Ben and hope to install EV charging points at this workplace so his employees can also reap the benefits. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as both consumers and businesses are looking for new ways to reduce rising fuel bills, and as a result, the demand for electric vehicle charging points is also on the rise.” Mr. Electric is now an approved installer and trusted partner for EO Charging, which has a comprehensive product range designed and built to be flexible and compatible with all leading motor manufacturers’ EVs. Together the two organisations will now be able to offer domestic and commercial customers a one-stop solution for all types and modes of EV charging, from the product right through to the installation and ongoing maintenance of the charging point. For further information about Mr. Electric and the services it can offer, visit https://www.mr-electric.co.uk/birmingham-north or call 0121 285 0136. For further information about EO Charging and its EV charging product range, visit www.eocharging.com.
