EV’s Have Come A Long Way

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around since the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until recent years that they began to gain widespread popularity. As the number of EVs on the road increases, so too does the demand for EV charging infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore the history of EV charging in the UK, from the early days of electric vehicles to the current state of EV charging infrastructure.

The Early Days of EV Charging in the UK

The first electric vehicle charging stations in the UK were installed in the early 2000s. These early charging stations were primarily located in public parking garages and were intended to be used by electric vehicle fleets. They were slow and unreliable, and the limited number of charging stations made it difficult for electric vehicle drivers to travel long distances.

In 2008, the UK government introduced the Plugged-In Places initiative, which aimed to increase the number of public charging stations in the country. Under this initiative, several cities, including London, Milton Keynes, and Bristol, received funding to install EV charging stations. By 2013, there were over 3,000 public EV charging stations in the UK.

The Rapid Expansion of EV Charging Infrastructure in the UK

The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the UK. This is due in part to government initiatives, such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and the Workplace Charging Scheme, which provide grants to individuals and businesses to install home and workplace charging stations.

In addition, the private sector has also played a significant role in the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Companies like BP Chargemaster, Shell Recharge, and Pod Point have installed thousands of EV charging stations across the country, including fast charging stations that can charge an EV to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Today, there are over 40,000 public EV charging stations in the UK, and the number continues to grow. In addition to traditional charging stations, there are also several innovative charging solutions available, including wireless charging and on-street charging stations.

The Future of EV Charging in the UK

The UK government has set a goal to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the number of EVs on the road. In order to support this transition, the government has committed to investing £1.3 billion in EV charging infrastructure over the next five years.

One of the key challenges facing the EV charging industry is the need for more fast charging stations. While Level 2 charging stations are sufficient for overnight charging, they are too slow for long-distance travel. Fast charging stations are essential for EV drivers to be able to travel long distances without having to worry about running out of charge.

To address this challenge, several companies are working on developing ultra-fast charging stations that can charge an EV to 80% in as little as 10 minutes. In addition, several companies are exploring the use of battery-swapping technology, which would allow drivers to exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one in just a few minutes.

Another challenge facing the EV charging industry is the need for more on-street charging solutions. Many UK residents do not have access to a private parking space, making it difficult for them to install a home charging station. On-street charging solutions can help to address this issue, and several companies are working on developing innovative solutions that can be easily installed on lamp posts and other street furniture.

Times Are Changing

The history of EV charging in the UK is one of rapid expansion and innovation. From the early days of slow and unreliable charging stations to the current state of fast and convenient charging, the EV charging industry has come a long way in a relatively short period of time.

As the government moves towards phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles,the expansion of EV charging infrastructure will become even more crucial. With the commitment to invest £1.3 billion in EV charging infrastructure, the UK is well-positioned to lead the way in the adoption of electric vehicles. The growth of EV charging infrastructure is not only important for the environment but also for the economy. As the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, it will create new jobs in the renewable energy sector and support the development of new technologies.

Moreover, the increased adoption of electric vehicles will also have a positive impact on the UK’s air quality. Road transport is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, and the shift to electric vehicles will help to reduce emissions and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas.

The history of EV charging in the UK is one of innovation, expansion, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. With the government’s commitment to invest in EV charging infrastructure and the ongoing efforts of companies to develop new and innovative charging solutions, the UK is well-positioned to lead the way in the transition to electric vehicles.

As more and more drivers switch to electric vehicles, it is essential that the UK continues to invest in the development of new charging technologies and infrastructure to support the transition. By doing so, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.