Charging Forward To 2030 Report: Key Findings
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in the UK. With over 40,000 public charge points supporting EVs on the road, they currently constitute around 2% of all vehicles. However, the landscape is set to change dramatically with the introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate in 2024. This aims to achieve 80% of new car sales and 70% of new van sales being EVs by 2030, ultimately reaching 100% by 2035. Such a transformation would result in approximately 11 million EVs on the roads by 2030, a significant increase from the current 760,000.
In light of this impending shift, Field Dynamics contributed to a RECHARGE UK report (Charging forward to 2030) that explores strategies to accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure while addressing policy, regulatory, and geographical barriers.
We supported the report with our unique GWh based analysis of charging demand ensuring it was based on robust data. We analysed over 60 million MOT records for 2020 and 2021 to calculate each vehicle’s annual mileage. Then we used body types in DfT licensing data (VEH0120) and NCAP41 to classify each vehicle, which in turn gave an indication of estimated efficiency per vehicle class (Miles per KWh).
Here are some of the report’s key findings, recommendations, and insights:
Cities with the highest energy demand.
Birmingham has the largest demand for energy in the UK of 339.9 GWh as it has the largest vehicle count (1.1 million vehicles). Significant energy demand will therefore be put on Birmingham by 2030. Glasgow is the second largest with 231 GWh of demand.
Rural inequality
Geographic inequality in charging infrastructure is a significant concern, particularly in rural areas where EV charging deployment lags behind urban regions. The report proposes adopting successful strategies from other countries that have supported rural communities’ electrification journey.
Ambition and reality
The RECHARGE UK report identifies major gaps between the Government’s ambition for EV deployment and the existing policy and regulatory landscape.
Accessible charging
Universal accessibility is crucial for successful EV charging infrastructure. The report emphasizes the importance of installing multiple charge point types in safe and accessible locations, catering to various charging needs. This includes consideration for wheelchair-accessible vehicles to promote inclusive charging solutions.
Download the report
We’re delighted to have been able to support the report with our unique GWh based analysis of charging demand. It’s important to base projections and strategies around robust data rather than opinion. Our GWh based model provides a clear view of what energy demand we’re likely to face and where. From this we can then plan objectively how best to source that power and then distribute it through the myriad of options available.
