Distribution network operators can address these problems with precise modelling and monitoring of their low voltage distribution networks. In so doing, they can support the Government’s efforts to grow the EV market and encourage user uptake over the next few years as part of the wider push for net zero.
“Transitioning to electric vehicles is hugely significant for the UK to reduce harmful emissions and help achieve our country’s net zero goals” said Roberts. “The UK’s low voltage distribution networks will underpin the EV transition. Electricity operators can play their part with more granular, in-depth modelling and monitoring of their networks to accurately identify where there is capacity on the network to install the thousands of new charge points that are needed. We know from real world trials and monitoring data that a single electric vehicle uses approximately the same amount of energy in a year as a house. Currently, there are 34 million cars on the UK’s roads compared to the UK’s 25 million or so houses. If every car goes electric over the next decade, that’s the equivalent of doubling the UK’s housing stock. Operators are looking at ensuring they have available capacity where it’s needed in their distribution networks to meet the demand for charge points that the increase in electric vehicle numbers will create.”
Mr Roberts’ comments follow the publication last month of a report by the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee” (PAC), which warned that the rollout of EV charging points across the UK is currently uneven and risk overlooking parts of the country including rural areas. The PAC report said that the government was on track to reach its stated target of 300,000 charging points by 2030, but that rollout was “patchy” and there were stark regional divides in numbers and availability - including too few installed outside London and south-east England.
According to the latest data from the Department for Transport, more than 75,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charging points are reportedly now in operation across the UK, with two new points installed every hour. The number of public charging points sits alongside approximately 850,000 domestic charging points in the UK.
“With more accurate modelling and monitoring, operators can maximise their existing distribution infrastructure to support more EV charge points and avoid disruption and extra costs from installing more infrastructure” Mr Roberts added. “Operators can use accurate usage data to properly plan their network upgrade plans and the related costs over a manageable time period. Better modelling and monitoring data also allows operators to accurately identify congestion, or “pinch points”, in the supply of energy to users. Importantly, they can identify not only the location, but also at what time during the day the congestion occurs.”
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