Challenge of The Charge Points-1

Ramesh Kumar from Greater Noida

Climate change is the flavor of the season across the globe. The UN Environment Programme claims, "The transport sector contributes approximately one-quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Today's transport sector is predominantly based on the combustion of fossil fuels, making it one of the largest sources of both urban and regional air pollution. Recent studies estimate outdoor air pollution causes more than 3.2 million premature deaths each year worldwide." 

So, how does the global body plans to tackle this challenge? "

Although governments are increasingly addressing air pollution and the energy used by the transport sector, there is often a large gap between available technology and best practice, as well as the networks necessary to build consensus for transformative change. UN Environment addresses these gaps through four global transport programs that promote a shift towards a less car-intensive world. Through better planning and infrastructure, UN Environment also promotes the benefits of ‘mode shifting’ from private motor vehicle use to public transport and non-motorized transport, such as walking and cycling."

Electric vehicles or EVs, it is believed, would eliminate GHG emissions. It is debatable if this mode shift from the internal combustion engine (ICE) route to EV would wipe away the emission challenge. What type of energy is used for manufacturing these electric batteries needs consideration. Thermal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas, or renewable energy? 

Leave that aside for a while. ICE-driven vehicles that dominate the transport landscape running on non-renewable fossil fuels for ages (Karl Benz patented ICE in 1886 and the first three-wheeler ran five years later.) never faced trouble in finding filling stations which dot everywhere. Cheek by jowl in many places! Competition. 

The same cannot be said about the EV charging stations. Of course, it is early days. Probably diesel/petrol filling stations also took their own time to proliferate. As the vehicle population rose, filling stations also kept pace. Take the United Kingdom. Come 2030, there will be no sale of petrol or diesel cars in Her Majesty's domain. 

The UK car market, today, is dominated by petrol-driven vehicles with a whopping 55% with diesel and pure electric (Tesla: 3% topping the list) taking 11% each, thus leaving the hybrid with the balance 23%. 

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of its market study into EV charging, examined whether the industry can deliver a comprehensive UK charging network that works competitively and that people can trust. "While some part of this new sector is developing relatively well - including charging at locations like shopping centers, workplaces and people's private parking (garages and driveways)", the CMA has found that other parts are facing problems which will hinder roll out.  The worry is that this could "impact the government's plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and it's wider commitment to make the UK net-zero by 2050."

Another cause for concern is the choice and availability of charge points at motorway service stations, where competition is limited; the roll-out of on-street charging by Local Authorities (which many drivers will rely on) is too slow, and rural areas risk being left behind with too few charge points due to lack of investment.

The CMA admits that its research shows that charging can sometimes be difficult and frustrating for drivers, which could stop people from switching to EVs. Concerns about the reliability of charge points, difficulties in comparing prices and paying for charging, risk-reducing people’s confidence and trust. The CMA has set out four principles to ensure that using and paying for charging is as simple as filling up with petrol and diesel.

Meanwhile, there are fears that EV charging at peak hours may result in blackouts. Parliamentarians demand the removal of disparity in VAT for electricity. While home-charging attracts 5% VAT, the public place charging costs 20% VAT. The National Grid assures no blackouts and sufficient load capacity to tackle any surge during peak or non-peak consumption hours. 

What's the scene like in the rest of the world concerning mode shift from ICE to EV? Watch this space.