Domestic transport is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. While the recent uptake in electric vehicles is undoubtedly a positive sign for the UK’s EV adoption targets, with more fully electric cars sold last year than any other type, there are still significant hurdles to address with regards to EV infrastructure in the UK
A notable limitation to widespread EV adoption remains the UK’s charging infrastructure, which is currently struggling to keep pace with skyrocketing demand. Local authorities have made commendable efforts to address this challenge, with some councils increasing their EV infrastructure spending by an average of 42% year-on-year. However, despite this positive trend, gaps remain in the UK’s infrastructure. Recent research shows that some councils can’t confirm whether their charging points are working, creating potential unease for the UK’s existing 1.3 million EV drivers who are left unable to plan where to recharge their vehicles. In some areas the number of functioning council-operated chargers, specifically, has dropped to just 2.8%.
With the number of EV drivers set to expand exponentially over the next decade, it’s clear that the UK is going to need a robust charging network that can keep pace with growing demand. Without reliable, well-placed, and accessible chargers, there’s a real risk that drivers could lose confidence in the system, putting the UK’s net zero goal of phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2035 in jeopardy. For widespread EV adoption to be possible, it will be critical for governments, businesses and local authorities to work together to create an efficient infrastructure. Collaboration is the key to unlocking a cleaner, more sustainable transport system in the UK.
Infrastructure without transparency loses its value
Building a strong EV infrastructure isn’t just about installing more chargers, it’s about strategically planning where the right chargers should go while ensuring that the grid can effectively support them. For instance, while ultra-rapid chargers make sense at motorway service areas, that doesn’t mean the grid can always cope with the increased demand in these locations. Organisations can’t just build; infrastructure needs to be thoroughly planned around what the grid can handle and what the public actually needs. It’s important that decisions are made with an understanding of the technical limitations and the expected usage. Without careful planning, there’s a risk of installing underused assets or overloading the grid. For EV adoption to grow, it will be especially imperative to ensure that there is reliable infrastructure in areas of high demand, such as motorway service stations and city centres.
Fortunately, engineers and asset managers no longer need to rely on manual processes to understand whether charging units are performing as expected. Real-time monitoring tools can be used to track charger performance, spot faults or outages and even allow for remote repairs. The ability to immediately detect faults as they occur and proactively resolve issues with charging points not only facilitates safer, more reliable charging experiences for end users, but it also provides real-time visibility that allows local councils to better understand fluctuations in EV demand and roll out plans to scale charging infrastructure accordingly.
When charging points are connected to one central management platform, engineers, operators and local councils can identify usage patterns and periods of peak demand with ease, enabling more informed decision-making. This real-time data not only simplifies maintenance but also enhances future infrastructure planning, making it a far less daunting task. Most importantly, councils don’t need to solve the challenge alone. They can lean on expert partners, who offer comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of EV infrastructure projects, from planning to execution to maintenance and repair.
A data problem is a visibility problem
Fragmented databases are also creating limitations into EV infrastructure as around 40% of councils report no direct investment, as they’re ultimately relying on third-party systems and hardware. It’s these systems that are contributing to data fragmentation, due to their poor compatibility with charging points. End-to-end services emerge as a solution because they bring operations under one umbrella, providing a holistic overview of charging components via one unified dashboard. Real-time insights are easily accessible for every stakeholder, from councils to asset managers to service providers. Hardware, software and support elements are all designed to work together in harmony, improving system reliability and facilitating a smooth experience for end users.
The technologies are available today to ensure clear data insights can be provided to facilitate meaningful change in UK’s transport sector and bolster the growth of the EV market. All that remains is to build a strong, evidence-based case for investment into these technologies, one that connects economic growth with environmental responsibility. With real-time monitoring, councils can easily communicate the worth of EV investments via automated reports, highlighting energy savings and money saved on maintenance costs.
These results, when measured and communicated clearly, help to make the case for greater data monitoring systems to be implemented, allowing leaders and investors to better determine where and when an increased investment into charging infrastructure needs to happen.
Driving forward
The technology to ensure the UK’s EV adoption goals are met is already here. Now it’s up to governments, businesses and local authorities to cooperate to ensure data is being captured and analysed effectively to build a charging network that’s reliable, adaptable and focused on drivers’ needs. Real progress will be measured by the reliability, efficiency and accessibility of the whole charging system, not just the number of chargers in the ground.
Cutting-edge technology, including remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, will play a key role in breaking down the barriers between local councils, governments, asset managers and service providers. Smart, connected systems that offer real-time visibility into charger trends will enable stakeholders to ‘speak’ to one another more effectively and make data-driven decisions about when and where to scale charging infrastructure. Digitalisation and cooperation will pave the way for reliable charging networks that can grow with demand. With the right partnerships in place and a shared commitment to innovation, the UK can turn its ambitious EV goals into a practical, profitable, and planet-friendly reality.
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