EV Charges Deployment in the UK in 2023

Electric mobility has undeniably emerged in recent years and is predicted to increase rapidly over the next decade. Consider this: 2 million electric cars (EVs) were sold globally in the first quarter of 2022, representing a 75% increase over the previous year. Furthermore, 65 million EVs will be on the road by 2030.

This rapid increase in EV use is straining the current power systems, and the rising electricity demand is a continuing concern for governments worldwide. To overcome this, governments and individuals are investigating smart charging to manage EV charging loads and optimize energy consumption.

According to the most recent Department of Transport figures, just 26 public electric car charging spots were constructed on average per day between October 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023. Nevertheless, in order to meet the 300,000 amount, this number must be quadrupled to 100.

The rapid increase in EV use

With an increasing number of electric vehicles in the market and government pressure to decrease vehicle emission levels to zero by 2050, there is a significant need for more economical charging options.

According to many consumer surveys, the adoption of electromobility is heavily reliant on the accessibility and duration of the charging process; high-power DC charging points are the solution to these market demands. A typical EV can already charge 80% of its battery capacity in less than 10 minutes. This is analogous to refilling a traditional automobile with an internal combustion engine.

This rapid increase in EV use is putting strain on power systems, and addressing rising electricity demand is a continuing concern for governments throughout the world. To overcome this, governments and individuals are investigating smart charging to manage EV charging loads and optimize energy consumption.

An EV smart charger enables simple monitoring and management of the charging process by providing communication between a charger and the end user. This has the potential to significantly reduce the pressure on power systems by allowing EV charging to automatically react to fluctuations in grid demand.

Smart Charging in the UK

Smart charging, often known as intelligent charging, is a broad word that might be perplexing. So let's dissect it.

According to the textbook definition, smart charging is a recharging procedure in which the electrical power given to the battery is dynamically modified depending on signal strength.

An intelligent battery charger, in simpler terms, permits interaction between an electric car and a charging system. The user has additional control and insight into the charging process and energy utilization by transferring data and information.

Smart charging insights can be especially valuable for EV drivers, who can determine how and when to charge their cars based on recharging and cost data. A smart EV charger can also continuously detect variations in load on the electrical system and adapt the charging process to avoid overloads.

EV Charging Regulations

Installing a smart EV charger has several benefits for both EV users and grid operators, such as making charging more predictable and enabling simpler control of peak electrical consumption. Furthermore, the energy system as a whole will profit since smart charging enables more efficient integration of renewable energy sources.

The UK government is rapidly enacting new laws to guarantee that EV smart chargers satisfy specified standards. In general, these laws are intended to improve the charging experience in a variety of ways.

Accessible and Easy-to-Use Chargers

The convenience of using a charging station is one of its most important features. A motorist should be able to comprehend and utilize a charger without difficulty. In fact, according to our study, 60% of UK EV drivers believe that an easy-to-use interface is one of the most significant factors to consider when selecting a charging station.

As a result, a smart charger must be simple and easy to use, particularly in terms of the software interface that links the charging point to the user, such as a charging app. In some respects, balancing the amount of data and insights provided to a user without making the charging interface unnecessarily complicated or difficult to grasp is a difficulty.

Remote Updates and Software Troubleshooting

Connectivity is a vital characteristic that distinguishes a smart charging station from a standard charging station and allows for remote debugging and diagnostics. This allows the charging station provider to readily access a charger's status and diagnose any problems in real time. 

With one out of every four EV drivers putting preventive maintenance and support at the top of their wish list when purchasing an EV charging station, the demand for these services is obvious.

This not only allows for fast troubleshooting but also allows personnel to rectify some faults remotely, reducing the need for an in-person visit. A smart charger also keeps the motorist aware of the charging process and notifies them promptly when something goes badly.

Energy-Efficient EV Charging

Aside from the simplicity of use and connection, energy efficiency is an important aspect of a charging station: according to our study, 65% of EV drivers prioritize energy efficiency when selecting an EV charger.

Smart charging helps you to optimize your EV's energy consumption and keep expenses under control by providing insights into the charging process. You may arrange charging during off hours, when you may be able to get a reduced power rate and the load on the system is lower.

Transparency

A smart charging station offers real-time management and monitoring of the charging process, which helps ensure transparency, which 31% of UK EV drivers consider when selecting an EV charging station.

Indeed, EV users can see exactly how much power their vehicle consumes at any given time and as well as the cost of their electricity usage. In this manner, users may learn how to cut their usage or control expenditures by optimizing when they charge their EVs.

Conclusion

Osprey Charging's CEO is confident about the installation of EV charging infrastructure in the UK over the next few years. "This year will see a huge deployment of potentially hundreds of new public charge points positioned in dependable hubs around the country," he told Express.co.uk.

He stated that the UK now has a variety of reliable, customer-focused, and well-funded charging networks to choose from. Each of these businesses is implementing a large number of quick and ultra-rapid chargers.

Impra Charge has expert teams who can provide services in multiple locations – Cambridge, Peterborough, London etc. Get in touch to install your EV charging points.