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GREEN DRIVING – REPORT 3 Plug-in vehicle recharging. The electric future.
Introduction
The Government, motor manufacturers and vehicle charge point In 2019 demand for new alternatively fuelled
vehicles is expected to rise more than a quarter to
providers are collectively investing billions of pounds in delivering a around 177,000 units. Some 86,000 of those cars
are set to be ultra-low emission plug-in hybrids and
‘plug-in future’ for the UK. battery electrics – taking plug-in new car market
share to around 3.7% as an ever-increasing number
The Government is using the motoring tax regime to encourage the of models come on sale.
uptake of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles and is giving financial Plug-in van demand remains miniscule, although
support through grants for plug-in cars and vans and home and that is anticipated to increase in 2019 and beyond
as vehicle choice increases. However, some experts
workplace vehicle charge points – as well as cash to local authorities believe that the future fuel for particularly larger
to install charge points – to encourage demand. vans is hydrogen due to the perceived limiting
factor of battery size and range capability on
payload. Nevertheless, in terms of charging there is
Ultimately the UK Government says it will end the sale of new no difference between cars and vans.
conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040 and by 2050 The increasing availability of shiny new
Increasing sales of plug-in vehicles – some reports
plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles
wants almost every car and van on the roads to be zero emission. suggest there will be more than one million electric
from motor manufacturers may be the vehicles on UK roads by 2020 compared with
A critical aspect of achieving those goals, according to Jesse Norman, ‘sexy’ aspect of a progressively zero almost 200,000 registered at the end of 2018 –
naturally require the widespread availability of ‘fuel’.
emission future, but wheels will not turn
Future of Mobility Minister, is “getting the right infrastructure in
without a charging network to deliver However, while the number of public electric
place”. power. Indeed, 31 new plug-in electric vehicle charge points across the UK is increasing
cars are scheduled to make their UK almost daily – there are currently approaching
20,000 – a report by data science and software
showroom debut in 2019, according to company Emu Analytics suggested there needed
the Society of Motor Manufacturers and to be 100,000 by 2020 to provide an adequate
Traders (SMMT). infrastructure for ‘green’ drivers and fleets.
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According to Zap-Map at the beginning of February Additionally, with the average UK commute being
2019 the total number of locations – notably railway less than 10 miles, the majority of plug-in car and
stations, car parks and motorway service areas – van drivers can charge entirely at home or work,
which have a public charge point installed was 6,774; only occasionally using public charge points as a
the number of chargers at those locations was 11,179 back-up or additional top-up for longer journeys.
and the total number of connectors within those That highlighted, said the campaign, that the
chargers – some charge points have the capability usability of the UK’s roadside charging infrastructure
of charging more than one vehicle at a time – was was an important, but not critical, facility for most
19,399. electric vehicle owners.
To provide an idea of the rate of increase in the What’s more with the range of an electrically-
number of electric vehicle charge points 244 new powered car expected to exceed 300 miles by 2025,
devices were added to the Zap-Map database in experts predict that advanced charging technology
the first 30 days of 2019, which equated to 479 and enhanced battery technology will end the need
new connectors. The total number of connectors to physically ‘plug in and fill up’ cars.
increased from just over 13,000 in November 2017 to
more than 19,000 by December 2018, according to That’s because the next-generation of electric
the company, which updates its map of UK public cars could have the ability to charge wirelessly Q: Can you identify the types of charging • Fleet charging – recharging at a central hub
charge points weekly. while parked at homes or workplaces. Indeed it is infrastructure that exist? operated by, for example, a business operating a
claimed that by 2050 wireless charging and battery fleet of taxis or delivery vehicles
A: It can be argued that there are as many as seven
Importantly, as this report will explain, there capacities are expected to increase so much that
electric vehicle charging patterns. The most • Electric highway – driving a car along dedicated
has more recently been a focus by charge point the act of ‘refuelling’ as we know it today will cease
obvious are: electric vehicle-only roads.
providers on investment in ‘fast’ and ‘rapid’ units to exist.
• Home charging – typically taking place Source PwC’s report ‘Powering Ahead! Making
at the expense of ‘slow’ chargers. That, say experts,
overnight to take advantage of the cheapest Sense of Business Models in Electric Vehicle
reflects the growing demand for higher charging On the following pages we highlight what you need
electricity prices Recharging’.
rates as battery capacities increase and electric to know about plug-in vehicle charging today along
vehicles are driven on longer journeys. with a glimpse into the future. • Workplace charging – employees top-up their The above mentioned charging infrastructures
vehicle while at work are all at different stages of evolvement with
However, according to Go Ultra Low, the • Street charging – recharging a vehicle from a the electric highway very much looking to the
collaborative campaign bringing together the motor lamppost outside a residence future. Meanwhile, Highways England says by
industry, Government and the SMMT to promote • Motorway charging – charging a vehicle during summer 2019 95% of the strategic road network
plug-in models, electric vehicles are charged at a long distance journey it manages will be within 20 miles of an electric
home the majority of the time. Some reports vehicle recharging point – a target set by the
• Destination charging – topping up a vehicle
suggest vehicles are charged at home 60% of the Government – a move, which hits back at claims
with ‘fuel’ at one of the many public recharging
time, 30% of the time at work and 10% of the time that a perceived lack of public charging points
points located at popular locations such as local
at public charging points. is often identified as the biggest barrier to
authority, supermarket, hospital, cinema and
increased plug-in vehicle take-up.
gym car parks, town and city centre multi-story
car parks and railway stations
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Q: There are, I believe, a number of different Almost all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid Home and work recharging points are AC. With Group with Audi and Porsche is aiming to “create
types of plug-in vehicle recharging points. electric vehicles are able to charge on a Type 2 regards to public charge points the network a network of powerful, reliable and accessible
Can you explain them? connector (see below), with the correct cable is split around 70/30 in favour of AC points. charging stations” throughout Europe, including
A: Chargepoints are categorised by the power they at least. It is by far the most common public DC points are typically favoured at ‘journey’ in the UK. It is promising to develop a network
produce. It’s measured in kilowatts (kW), and the charge point standard around, and most plug- locations – motorway service areas and trunk of 350kW ‘fast’ chargers – Combined Charging
higher the number, the faster a vehicle’s battery in car drivers will have a cable with a Type 2 road service stations – and AC points at so-called System (CCS) compatible so stations are able to
will be recharged. Most network providers offer connector charger-side. ‘grazing’ locations – car parks, leisure centres, be used by a large number of vehicles without
a mix of ‘rapid’ (22kW+), ‘fast’ (7kW-22kW) and • S tandard or ‘slow’ charging – generally what cinemas, hotels and park and ride locations. the need for adaptors (see below) – with a
‘standard’ (3-7kW) charging options: would be used at home and work and originally ‘Rapid’ charging can only be used on vehicles ‘charging session’ costing £8 during the current
the most common in the UK as they could also with ‘rapid’ charging capability. Each charger introductory phase. Payments will be made
• Rapid AC charging and rapid DC charging
be found in car parks and other ‘destination’ type has an associated set of connectors which on-the-spot by smartphone with users scanning
(depending on whether a car requires an AC
locations such as supermarkets and cinemas. are designed for low or high power use, and for the charge point’s barcode, entering their details
or DC connection) – defined as a charge rate
However, ‘destination’ locations are now phasing either AC or DC charging. Regardless of whether and authorising payment. Ionity says it is aiming
greater than 22kW of electricity with some
these charging points out in favour of ‘fast’ the chargepoint is AC or DC (see later), generally to provide an average of six charging points
of the latest drawing 150kW, rapid charging
and ‘rapid’ charging points. Even though ‘slow’ the associated costs including installation and every 75 miles. The UK plan is for approximately
stations can achieve an 80% charge in around
charging, up to about eight hours for a full operation will rise with increasing power of the 40 sites by the end of 2020. The first station in
30 minutes. They are generally installed at
charge, can be achieved through a standard recharger. It is also critical to remember that as Maidstone is to open in March/April 2019 and will
motorway service stations enabling 100%
single-phase 13 amp three pin domestic plug, the RAC Foundation report, ‘Development of be equipped with four ‘fast’ chargers with further
electric vehicles to travel across the country,
it is recommended that a dedicated electric the UK Public Chargepoint Network’, highlights: locations initially scheduled in Gretna Green,
as well as retail outlets and other locations. In
vehicle charging station is fitted by a qualified “One of the most common Thurrock and Milton Keynes.
the UK, rapid DC chargers are more typically
electrician, in order to achieve maximum misunderstandings at all levels is Frank Plaschka, Ionity’s head of marketing and
available.
amperage levels and a reduced charging time. the false belief that any electric brand, said: “We are seeing the new generation
• Fast charging – can fill up a battery in one vehicle on the road can accept any
Most slow charging units are usually untethered, of electric vehicles offering range,
to four hours and likely to be installed in charge rate available. This is absolutely not
meaning that a cable is required to connect comfort and performance at a
numerous public locations including today in the case, as the chargepoint and the charger
the plug-in vehicle with the charge point. Most similar level to conventionally
car parks and other ‘destination’ locations such in the vehicle are in series, and
home units have the same Type 2 cable as powered cars now becoming a
as supermarkets and cinemas. They are all AC therefore the actual charge rate
found on public chargers, or be tethered with viable alternative. We want to enhance the
and are typically rated at 7kW or 22kW, and are will be the lower charge rate of
a Type 1 connector where it is suitable for a experience of electric vehicle travel, making it
compatible with most electric cars and vans. the two chargers.” Therefore,
particular vehicle. simple and enjoyable. The future is electric and
while a vehicle may be ‘plugged into’ a ‘rapid’ our goal is to provide a charging
charge point if the on-board charger can only experience that is so good it
deliver electricity at 3.6kW the speedy discharge creates a new generation of
of the ‘rapid’ charger will not be felt. However, e-mobility advocates.”
technology provided by charge point operators is
Similarly, battery advancements by manufacturers
improving all the time in terms of charging speed.
mean that not only are batteries getting larger,
For example, in 2018 Pod Point, one of the but speed of recharging is improving. The Jaguar
largest providers of public recharging points, I-Pace, which has a 90kW battery, is, for example,
announced it was introducing 150kW points able to recharge to 80% capacity in 45 minutes
across the country. Meanwhile, Ionity, a joint from a 150kW point.
venture company formed in 2017 between BMW
Group, Daimler AG, Ford and the Volkswagen
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suitable for parking spots where a vehicle will stay
parked for 20 minutes or longer and therefore DC
charging is exclusively used for ‘rapid’ charging.
DC chargers convert the power before it enters a
vehicle. After conversion, the power goes directly
into a vehicle’s battery, bypassing its converter. A
DC installation requires a lot of power from the
National Grid, which makes its costs (production,
installation and operation) quite high, resulting in
higher tariffs for charging. However, as it usually
allows for much faster charging, it is the preferred
charging method to quickly recharge during long-
Q: What is the difference between AC and DC distance trips. Almost all zero-emission cars can
charging? accept DC rapid charging. Such chargepoints are
A: This is where it gets a little bit technical. AC usually found at locations other than at homes or
describes alternating current charging and DC business locations. Information source: electric
describes direct current charging. The power that vehicle charging solutions provider NewMotion –
comes from the National Grid is always AC power. www.newmotion.com.
When charging portable electronic devices, for
example, mobile phones and electric vehicles, Q: So please explain the current public charging
the power needs to be converted from AC to DC. infrastructure and the different types of in Europe and the United States of America retrofitted with both Tesla and CCS connectors.
The technical difference between AC charging connectors? and is used by all European vehicles that have Tesla sells a CHAdeMO converter for its Model
and DC charging is whether the power gets A: I’m afraid this is also complex and far from ‘rapid’ charging capability. The CCS connector S and Model X.
converted outside or inside a device. In the case straightforward. In many ways an analogy can incorporates a Type 2 AC connector, so only a As explained by Zap-Map the choice of
of day-to-day portable electronic devices such be drawn with the mobile phone charging single charging port is required on the vehicle connectors depends on the charger type (socket)
as mobile phones, a converter is usually placed infrastructure with different motor manufacturers for both DC and AC charging, enabling public, and the vehicle’s inlet port. On the charger-side,
inside a plug. In the case of electric vehicles, a requiring different connectors. Additionally, those home and workplace charging. ‘rapid’ chargers use CHAdeMO, CCS or Type 2
converter is inside a car. old enough will recall the video tape recording • CHAdeMO charging standard, which is typically connectors. ‘Fast’ and ‘slow’ units usually use
AC charging is the most common method for battle of the 1970s with Betamax, Philipps and favoured by Japanese and Korean motor Type 2, Type 1, Commando, or three-pin plug
electric vehicles with a plug. Due to its lower VHS systems competing for supremacy and manufacturers, including Nissan which markets outlets. On the vehicle-side, European models
costs – production, installation and operation – eventually the latter winning. What is going on the Leaf, the UK’s best-selling electric car, as (eg: Audi, BMW, Renault, Mercedes, Volkswagen
these are the more commonly found chargers in the vehicle recharging market is similar, but well as Mitsubishi and Kia. A separate connector and Volvo) tend to have Type 2 inlets and the
at home and business addresses. When plugging whether there will be a ‘winner’ remains to be for AC charging at home and work, for example, corresponding CCS rapid standard, while Asian
an electric vehicle into a normal charge point, seen. Nevertheless, experts say that drivers is required on these vehicles. manufacturers (Kia, Mitsubishi and Nissan) prefer
the power gets converted inside the vehicle, should not worry because, if required, connectors • Tesla’s supercharger network was designed from a Type 1 and CHAdeMO inlet combination. That
then moves into the car battery. Charging speeds to enable a vehicle to use a charger, are available. the outset to accept a charge rate of 120kW. doesn’t always apply, however, with the Hyundai
depend on the output power of the chargepoint The systems currently available are the: The Model 3 is being sold equipped with CCS as Ioniq Electric and Toyota Prius Plug-In being
as well as the convertor’s capabilities to convert •C
ombined Charging System (CCS), which is standard, and the Supercharger network is being exceptions.
the power to DC. Such a charging method is most typically used by motor manufacturers located
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Most electric vehicle are supplied with two Model X, the Hyundai Ioniq and the Jaguar I-Pace. Q: That is all very confusing. Can’t anything be whether a charging point is ‘slow’, ‘fast’ or
cables for ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ AC charging; one with However, that figure is likely to increase as more done so there is a single universal charging ‘rapid’. Late in 2018, Conservative MP Bill Wiggin
a three-pin plug and the other with a Type 2 electric vehicles appear in showrooms. system? presented a ‘Ten Minute Rule Bill’ in the House of
connector charger-side, and both fitted with a The immaturity of the market means that A: It is confusing and it is a major issue among Commons proposing standardised connections
compatible connector for the car’s inlet port. effectively both electric vehicle manufacturers many plug-in vehicle drivers, which has yet to for electric vehicle charging points and a
The cables enable an electric vehicle to connect and the charge point providers are battling be resolved. However, moves are afoot through nationwide payment scheme. With no objections
to most untethered charge points, while use of for supremacy in terms of the different Parliament to standardise charging for electric to the Bill it will now be debated further in a
tethered units require using the cable with the technologies. Which will win out remains to vehicles. We have grown used to filling-up with ‘second reading’ in March 2019. The Bill seeks to
correct connector type for the vehicle. Examples be seen, but it would help immensely with petrol or diesel at a fuel station irrespective of standardise all electric vehicle charging points
include the Nissan Leaf which is typically marketplace development if one universal the make/model of vehicle being driven and and thus overcome the problem outlined above
supplied with a three-pin-to-Type 1 cable and system was adopted, and some experts believe the branded name displayed on the forecourt. of different connectors, cables and plugs. A
a Type 2-to-Type 1 cable. The Renault Zoe has that will eventually happen. In the meantime, Call in and the petrol or diesel pump nozzle further aim of the Bill is to standardise the
a different charging set up and comes with a when choosing an electric vehicle, customers will fit a vehicle and fuel will be dispensed. payment process for charging electric vehicles
three-pin-to-Type 2 and/or Type 2-to-Type 2 are advised to talk to their supplier about the Unfortunately, that is not as straightforward with and introduce a universal pay-as-you-go system
cable. For rapid charging, both models use the configuration of the home charge point required plug-in vehicles. Charging itself involves attaching across the UK. Like the physical infrastructure
tethered connector which are attached to the and the connectors required to utilise both an electric cable between the vehicle and the of electric vehicle charging, payment methods
charging units. Therefore, some charging points workplace charging and public charging facilities. recharging point socket – around 90% of public – typically today pay-as-you-go or subscription
are compatible with both CCS and CHAdeMO A useful video guide is available at: https://www. charging points are untethered so require the based – vary widely across different charging
standards to suit drivers of vehicles adhering to zap-map.com/charge-points/connectors-speeds user to have a cable connection, the remainder networks. While there is a slim chance of Mr
either protocol. In practice nearly all public DC and an electric vehicle cable selection guide on are tethered with the cable attached to the Wiggin’s Bill becoming law, the measures, with
‘rapid’ chargepoints when installed are so-called a model-by-model basis is available at: https:// charger for plugging into a vehicle. enough Parliamentary support, could be adopted
‘double DC’, which is a single chargepoint but evconnectors.com/ev-cable-selection-guide. by the Government and included in updates
That’s the relatively simple bit, but then it
with one CHAdeMO tethered connector and one of either the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure
gets complicated as explained previously with
CCS tethered connector. Regulations 2017 or the Automated and Electric
different connectors required depending on
Furthermore, in general, notes the RAC Vehicles Act.
Foundation report, ‘Development of the UK
Public Chargepoint Network’, manufacturers
do not design plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
to accept ‘rapid’ charging, although Mitsubishi,
which manufacturers the Outlander, the UK’s
best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, is
an exception. The battery capacity of the 2019
model has increased to 13.8kWh – currently
the largest available in the sector – but it has a
maximum DC charge rate of 22kW, half the 44 kW
minimum charge rate available at UK ‘rapid’ DC
chargepoints. Meanwhile, the report notes that in
the UK there are only four cars currently capable
of charging at 100kW: the Tesla Model S and
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Q: Does the Government provide grants towards Further information on both the EVHS and Q: What are the tax implications for employers uses their own electric car for business purposes
the cost of installing recharging points at WCS grants is available at: https://www.gov.uk/ and employees of vehicle recharging point taxable benefits do apply if their employer:
homes and places of work? government/collections/government-grants- installation and electricity provided by • Pays for a vehicle charging point to be installed
A: Yes, that is correct. The Government offers for-low-emission-vehicles. employers? at an employee’s home
grants of up to £500 to support the wider use How long both grant schemes will remain in A: The Government announced in the 2018 Budget • Provides a charge card to allow access to
of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office place is at the behest of the Government. The that it would extend the 100% first-year capital commercial or local authority charging points
of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The Electric Government has also announced, in a move allowance for electric vehicle chargepoints for
• Pays to lease a battery for an employee’s car.
Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) provides claimed to keep electric car charging costs down, a further four years until March 31, 2023 for
grant funding of up to 75% towards the cost that all grant-funded home chargepoints must corporation tax and April 5, 2023 for income tax In each case, the taxable benefit will be
of installing electric vehicle chargepoints at use innovative ‘smart’ technology from July purposes. However, with regards to employees, calculated under usual tax rules and based on the
domestic properties across the UK. All vehicles 2019; it follows a similar mandate for workplace tax rules are not as simple. cost to the employer.
that have been approved as ultra-low emission charging points in 2018 thus putting an end to At Budget 2017, the Government clarified
vehicles (75g/km of CO2 and below) by OLEV are so-called ‘dumb’ chargers that simply charge Q: What’s involved in having an electric vehicle
existing legislation so that from April 2018,
eligible for the Scheme. and provide no data. That means chargepoints recharging point installed at home?
there is no benefit-in-kind charge on electricity
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a must be able to be remotely accessed, and that employers provide to charge employees’ A: Around 40 manufacturers provide charging units
voucher-based scheme that provides support capable of receiving, interpreting and reacting privately-owned pure electric or plug-in hybrid suitable for residential use. Typically the units
towards the up-front costs of the purchase and to a signal. Smart charging can also reduce high vehicles. Importantly, the scope of the legislation are wall-mounted, and available either with a
installation of electric vehicle charge-points, for peaks of electricity demands, minimising the means that the charging facility does not have tethered Type 1 or Type 2 cable, which can be
eligible businesses, charities and public sector cost of electric vehicles to the electricity system to be provided at premises under the control of plugged straight into the car, or with a Type 2
organisations. The contribution is limited to and keeping costs down for consumers by the employer, merely at a place at or near the socket for use with a vehicle’s charging cable.
75% of purchase and installation costs, up to encouraging off-peak charging. workplace. The clarification came after a number A warranty is also included, although its length,
a maximum of £500 for each socket, up to a of employers contacted HM Revenue and which could be five years, varies depending on
maximum of 20 across all sites for each applicant. Customs (HMRC) asking if employer-provided manufacturer. Manufacturers of electric vehicles
electricity was a benefit-in-kind. The exclusion invariably have struck a partnership with at least
of electricity from the definition of fuel means one charging point operator. What’s more some
that, according to the Association of Taxation vehicle manufacturers are incentivising demand
Technicians, employers can pay for without a for plug-in vehicles by including provision of
taxable benefit arising in respect of an employee a charging point in the purchase. As explained
driving a pure electric company car: previously there is currently a Government
grant available of up to £500 to help towards
• A vehicle charging point to be installed at an
the cost of home charging point instalment.
employee’s home
However, at some point in the future it is likely
• A charge card to allow individuals access to that those grants will end. Once that happens
commercial or local authority charging points. vehicle manufacturers as well as recharging
However, those tax exemptions only apply to point providers may have to look at the cost of
pure electric vehicles and not plug-in hybrid installation.
electric models. What’s more, if an employee
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Prior to installation it is important to secure not on the list will most likely mean incurring the
permission of the electricity network operator full cost of the unit and installation. Finally, the
for a charge point. Most charge point providers date of installation must not be more than four
will offer a technical location assessment that months ahead of the date of delivery of start
in the case of a home installation amounts to date of vehicle.
a site survey ahead of a single-point wallbox The average UK day and night rates for electricity
being fitted. For tenants and leaseholders it is are calculated by the RAC Foundation to be 15.5p
important to gain permission of the site owner kWh and 8.6p kWh respectively. Adding in the
to have a charging point installed, although standing charge element increases those to a
suppliers say that in their experience most are total electricity cost of 17.6p kWh and 10.8p kWh
agnostic about the project as they can see a respectively. Assuming that a 7kW home charger
potential increase in the value of a property is fitted, in a 10-hour overnight charge (8pm to
with the facility. In homes the key issue is the 6am), a car with a 3.6 kW on-board charger will
distance between the distribution board and the take on approximately 36 kWh at a cost of £3.89,
location of the charge point. That determines the and a car with a 7kW on-board charger will take
amount of cabling required and whether it is run approximately 70 kWh at a cost of £7.59. the middle of the day to increase the effective businesses. Some workplaces may require charge
through walls or underground and, in turn, that
Charging point installers can provide a variety number of business miles driven per day without point installation for employees (7kW) and ‘rapid’
impacts on installation cost. Most home chargers
of tools to help home owners manage charging having to use more expensive charging on the charge points for visitors.
are either rated at 3kW or 7kW. The ‘higher’
and energy usage. For example EO Charging’s public ‘rapid’ network. As explained previously a Government grant
powered wall-mounted units normally cost more
Genius Charger can be connected to an eoHUB Prior to any charge point installation, it is is available to help with the funding of charge
than the ‘slower’ 3kW option, but halve the time
mini-computer delivering the ability to monitor recommended that permission from the points. The charge points are required to have
required to three-four hours to fully charge a
energy usage via eoCloud, the company’s landlord/landowner is obtained alongside the a need declared for them on application, which
vehicle. All charging units are wired directly to
software platform, and control the charger from permission of the electricity network operator. could include: existing electric fleet vehicles,
a home’s central metering unit, usually on its
a smartphone – including start, stop and pay- Installers highlight that it is rare that any to add an incentive for the uptake of plug-in
own circuit for safety and to enable monitoring
for on the go options – thereby managing the objection is raised as the ability to charge electric vehicles with staff, to provide a charging solution
separate from other electrical loads. The cost
energy supply in real-time. Looking to the future vehicles on site is likely to prove to be a benefit for visitors, or to charge electric vehicles planned
of a 7kW home charging point varies according
EO Charging says its eoHUB will, during 2019, in future lease discussions. The main issues for to be purchased by the business. Charging for
to supplier, but installation of a socket typically
integrate with the smart-grid, solar photovoltaics installation of chargepoints at a workplace are customers, where applicable, is not eligible for
costs approximately £300-£500 after Government
systems and battery storage. how many charge points to provide and the grant aid. Standard three-pin sockets are not
grant depending on charger type. It should also
be noted that some new homes are already fitted availability of, or lack of, an adequate electric eligible for funding, and the charge points can
Q: What’s involved in having an electric vehicle supply so a site survey is essential. Most charge only be fitted by accredited Office for Low
with recharging points.
recharging point installed at business point providers will offer a technical location Emission Vehicle installers. Charge points must
To be eligible to apply for the grant scheme, premises? assessment ahead of recommending the type provide a minimum of 3kW, with the supply
vehicle owners must provide evidence of
A: While workplace charge points are similar to of charge point required taking into account not diminished by charging multiple vehicles
ownership/keepership, lease, be named as
home-based units, power-ratings tend to be user demand and electricity supply. Depending simultaneously. Companies cannot claim for
the primary user of an eligible electric vehicle
higher with more 7kW and 22kW units installed. on the business and the site that could amount existing charge points, with the grant available
(bought new or second hand), and have off-
More business units are also double socket to a single or dual-point wallbox for a small only for new charge points yet to be installed. A
street parking facilities suitable for charge point
allowing them to charge two cars at the same business to a series of free-standing chargers company also has to have dedicated off-street
installation. The charge point must also be
time. The higher power units also enable plug- in a vehicle compound or car park for larger parking for staff, visitors or fleet use.
installed by an Office for Low Emission Vehicle’s-
in company fleets to ‘opportunity’ charge in
authorised installer. Choosing a supplier that is
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As Zap-Map highlights, electric vehicles likely The two key costs of workplace charging are charging installers, including NewMotion, provide site requirements or as a business grows and
to use workplace charging points will have the price of the unit and the installation costs, a ‘halfway’ solution which is a so-called ‘power- the number of electric cars increases. To further
different charging connectivity needs, so it is including digging trenches for foundations, sharing’ or ‘power-management’ tool that enables help businesses fund the installation of charging
important to install a charging point most likely running in cables, fixings, parking bay markings businesses to spread the electricity available points:
to be compatible with the widest range of and signage. Some installers may offer a choice of and ‘turn-up or ‘turn-down’ power based on • The Government extended first year capital
vehicles possible. The most common workplace purchase and lease options. Based on a standard demand. Meanwhile, EO Charging’s ‘smart fleet allowances for electric vehicle charge points for
installation is a wall-mounted Type 2 7kW charger, project, a fully installed Type 2 7kW double- consultation’ includes analysis of charge point four years in the 2018 Budget. That means the
which is compatible with most of the best-selling header would typically cost around £1,500, after requirements now and in the future through cost of installation can be written down in year
electric vehicles and will charge a vehicle fully in Government grant. Likewise, a 22kW double- analysis of vehicle usage, mileage patterns etc one with allowances extended to March 31, 2023
around three-four hours. Some businesses may headed post unit costs £2,500-£5,000 (inclusive and includes any requirement for electricity load for Corporation Tax and April 5, 2023 for income
wish to install a faster 22kW unit or even a ‘rapid’ of grant), while a fully installed rapid charge management. The company says its revolutionary tax purposes.
charger if cost and space allow. Most workplace unit can cost up to £35,000. Once a suitable smart energy device eoHUB, which manages up
• Other grant schemes may be available to some
installations select wall-mounted units as they unit has been selected, an installer will be able to 32 chargers online following installation, will
organisations as a result of their location (in
are typically cheaper to install. The alternative to provide a quote for the unit and installation be upgraded to a 100-charger with launch of the
Scotland from the Energy Saving Trust), some
costs. A warranty is also included, although its next-generation technology in Q2 2019.
local authorities and some charities.
length varies depending on manufacturer. As However, it should be noted that some new
with other business infrastructure projects, it is office and factory developments are being Q: What back office support is available to
recommended that employers obtain a couple of built with charging points already installed in businesses to help manage use of electric
quotes from potential suppliers. employee car parks. Indeed some supporters of vehicle charging points?
Furthermore, depending on supply an additional electric vehicles believe a minimum of 25% of
A: The majority of charge point manufacturers offer
grid connection, or energy storage facility, may workplace parking spaces should be fitted with
some form of back-office support to manage
be required. With charging technology – as well a 7kW charger. BP Chargemaster, the UK’s largest
charge point usage, set applicable user charges,
as plug-in vehicle battery technology – moving provider of charging points, says businesses have
report on energy use, charge point use and
at a rapid pace, experts suggest that businesses four different options for managing or recouping
carbon dioxide (CO2) impact as well as provide
should aim to future-proof charging points. the cost of energy consumption:
numerous other tools. The level of assistance
That’s because requirements tomorrow maybe • Free – provide staff and visitors with unlimited varies and can usually be tailored as a package
radically different from today in terms of number free charging for a company buying a service, from basic
of plug-in vehicles entering sites and speed of
is a post, which are good on-street options but • Recover energy costs – apply charges based on maintenance to full network support via leading-
charging. Both developments may, for example,
usually have higher installation costs due to the the amount of energy consumed with the aim edge software with a ‘master unit’ controlling
require businesses to increase electricity supply.
need to get the electricity to the post under the of recovering energy costs to the business networked charge point usage. BP Chargemaster,
Such forward-thinking may result in businesses
ground. • Recover energy and unit costs – apply charges for example says all of its communicating
leasing rather than buying the hardware so they
based on energy consumed as well the monthly workplace and commercial units automatically
For businesses that plan to install their charge can upgrade to the latest technology when
lease/purchase price of charge points connect to its Chargevision data management
point in areas that are publicly accessible, it is available, but still paying installation costs.
system, enabling users and site owners to view
essential to consider access issues. Most charge Future demand may also have an impact on • Generate profit – charge a set amount with
live analytics giving real-time access to charging
point manufacturers offer units that can be electricity capacity across the business with the aim of generating profit from the charging
points highlighting how and when they are used
accessed with either a key or radio frequency any requirement for an upgrade likely to be network beyond cost recovery.
and historical reports on usage. Reports can also
identification (RFID) card to prevent unwanted expensive and require conversations with the BP Chargemaster says employers can switch be downloaded for accounting purposes and the
usage. distribution network operator. However, some from one option to another based on individual management of systems.
16 17
Meanwhile, EO Charging says its revolutionary may well be resolved remotely. Nevertheless for However, employers can use their own rate plug-in vehicles complex. TMC recommends
smart energy device eoHUB, which puts up to 32 ‘old-style’ so-called ‘dumb’ chargers that do not which better reflects their circumstances if, for that employees driving their own plug-in vehicle,
chargers online – and in Q2 2019 will be upgraded transmit any data, any fault requires an engineer example, their cars are more efficient, or if the which was not funded through a cash allowance,
to a capacity of 100 – following installation, call-out. cost of business travel is higher than the guideline should receive the full AMAP rate due to the
monitors energy usage, calculates employee Typically charge points, depending on demand rate. But if they pay a rate that is higher than higher purchase price of the car.
benefit-in-kind tax bills for company car drivers, and how well they are looked after will have a the Advisory Fuel Rate and can’t demonstrate However, said Paul Hollick, managing director of
bills for energy and manages power supply. It 10-year life, or perhaps longer. However, some the electricity cost per mile is higher, they will TMC, and chairman of ICFM, the organisation
is future-proof so it can receive new software installers do offer maintenance packages that have to treat any excess as taxable profit and as dedicated to advancing the profession of car
upgrades over the air and has the capability to vary from annual plans to pay-as-you-go and earnings for Class 1 National Insurance purposes. and light commercial fleet management through
monitor the power usage of a building in real- emergency callout. Maintenance will, if possible Advisory Fuel Rates are reviewed quarterly and training and qualifications, it was also accepted
time and turns up and down the chargers based often be arranged to be undertaken at off-peak similarly, the new Advisory Electricity Rate will be practice to apply the appropriate Advisory Fuel
on the energy available, a process known as times. EO Charging recommends an annual kept under review. Employers have the option of Rate in circumstances where fuel needed to be
‘dynamic load balancing’. charge point ‘health check’ and for heavy users, applying the appropriate Advisory Fuel Rates for calculated. For example, employers could pay the
Having installed charge points, NewMotion, for example, van delivery fleets, a ‘health check’ petrol or diesel cars to plug-in hybrid vehicles. AMAP rate, less the applicable Advisory Fuel Rate
Europe’s largest electric charging partner, provides supported by a 24-hour callout facility. However, with plug-in hybrid vehicles’ fuel use and then add the 4p Advisory Electricity Rate in
business customers with an online portal. While varying by up to 300 mpg depending on a driver’s respect of a pure electric vehicles.
available services depend on the charge point Q: What are the rules for managing employees’ journey and charging practice, reimbursing for With regards to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
fitted and type of subscription, it delivers the plug-in vehicle mileage reclaims from the fuel used by those vehicles at a flat rate will rarely a company could adopt the policy as outlined
ability to view and manage: the duration and the point of view of both staff and employers? be realistic or fair. Therefore, suggests TMC, above in respect of company-provided plug-in
status of charging sessions, including charging A: In simple terms the current rules, such as they the provider of fuel management and business hybrid electric vehicles – apply the relevant cost
time and whether a point is occupied or offline are, remain a mess which is why ACFO, the UK’s mobility solutions, mileage reimbursement in per mile for electricity for the first 20-50 miles,
through remote charge point control to maximise premier fleet decision-makers’ organisation, respect of plug-in hybrid electric company then apply full AMAP rates thereafter. As a result,
usage, kWh-usage, costs and CO2-savings. Access believes they have contributed to a slow take- cars could see the first 25-50 business miles for owner-drivers at the wheel of plug-in cars,
controls are also available, for example giving up in demand of plug-in models from fleets – depending on battery range – paid at one ‘fuel’ would account for a smaller proportion of
the ability to allow only employee to plug and and drivers. However, following a long-running rate, e.g. the Advisory Electricity Rate, and the their total cost of motoring than it would for the
charge and manage their usage, set specific tariffs campaign by ACFO with backing from the wider remainder at another, e.g. the Advisory Fuel Rate. employee driving their own petrol or diesel car
– pricing per kWh and time-based – for visitors fleet industry including the British Vehicle Rental The company argues adopting that formula is on business.
and guests and manage all registered charge cards and Leasing Association, motor manufacturers simpler than estimating a ‘blended’ pence-per-
In relation to a cash allowance driver, Mr Hollick
and costs. Through the dashboard customised and leasing companies, HMRC did announce mile rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and
said: “The employer needs only
reports can be created and downloaded for the introduction on September 1, 2018 of a simultaneously encourages drivers to aim to start
to pay for the fuel element of
administration and tax purposes. 4p per mile Advisory Electricity Rate for 100% trips with a fully-charged battery.
an employee’s business use of
electric cars. However, under Advisory Fuel Rate When employees drive their own cars on the vehicle, since ownership
Q: What is required by way of maintenance of rules plug-in hybrid cars continue to be treated business trips mileage reimbursement is through overheads are ostensibly covered by the
home and work-located charging points? as either petrol or diesel models for mileage the tax-free Approved Mileage Allowance allowance. Applying the Advisory Electricity
A: Once installed, charging points, whether at home reimbursement purposes. Payments (AMAPs) scheme of 45p for the first Rate of 4p per mile would result in a significant
or work, require very little if any maintenance. Advisory Fuel Rates apply where employers 10,000 miles and 25p thereafter to reimburse business saving compared to internal
What’s more, with the Office for Low Emission reimburse employees for business travel in their business mileage. The AMAP rate is intended combustion engine cars. Cash allowance drivers
vehicles mandated rollout of smart chargers for company cars, or require employees to repay to cover the vehicle’s ownership and running can then claim tax relief (41p)
business premises in 2018 and for homes from the cost of fuel used for private travel. They are costs, including fuel. However, there is not an on the difference between the
summer 2019, providers suggest any problems deemed to be tax and National Insurance-free. official ‘fuel element’ in the AMAP rate, which rate they receive and the full 45p
makes calculating the ‘real’ cost with regards to AMAP rate.”
18 19If driving a pure electric car with an employer While many require an account to be set up
paying for all ‘fuel’ – private as well as business before use, some ‘rapid’ units with contactless
– then no car fuel benefit charge arises due to pay-as-you-go card readers are starting to be
HMRC not recognising electricity as a fuel. If installed. The majority of ‘fast’ and ‘rapid’ chargers
driving a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle then require payment via pay-as-you-go, but pre-paid
the Car Fuel Benefit Charge applies. TMC and subscription charging is available depending
has produced a guide, ‘Electric Vehicle Fuel on provider. However, just as smart charge points
Rates’, which can be downloaded at: www. are coming to the fore so some kind of uniformity
themilesconsultancy.com. of charging is starting to take shape with the
majority of tenders received by charge point
Q: When I’m planning a journey or out on providers now requiring a pay-on-use or pay-as-
the road how can I locate electric vehicle you-go facility, which overcomes any requirement
charging points? for an account or network membership.
A: Zap-Map – https://www.zap-map.com/live/ – Charging tariffs tend to comprise a flat hassle-free. Charging should well as petrol and diesel and other products
provides regularly updated access to a UK-wide connection fee, a cost per charging time (pence be as easy as buying groceries, to be bought at its forecourts. As highlighted
map of publicly available electric vehicle charge per hour) and/or a cost per energy consumed simply tap-and-go!” EO Charging previously, the cost of ‘filling up’ a vehicle at
points downloadable via desktop PC or app. (pence per kWh), according to Zap-Map. says it is in discussion with “three a public charging point varies according to a
The map identifies any combination of charge However, some charge points are free to use strong prospects with a further seven or eight number of different factors: Type of vehicle
point type (‘slow’, ‘fast’, ‘rapid’ AC and ‘rapid’ DC), and they include the February 2019 launch of expressions of interest having been received” and the speed it is capable of charging at, speed
connectors, location type, payment and access ‘Plug in Suffolk, which claims to be the UK’s from other counties and local authorities across of the public charger, price of electricity and
type. The map also has a route planner. In late first ‘fully open’ public electric vehicle fast the UK to launch similar projects to support the length of time vehicle is ‘plugged-in’. Zap-Map
2018 Google Maps also started to provide charge charging network. Suffolk County Council has growing popularity for electric and plug-in hybrid provides a useful online public charging calculator
point locations along with other information. partnered with EO Charging, one of the UK’s vehicles. – https://www.zap-map.com/tools/public-
leading charge point manufacturers, to deliver In Europe an Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) charging-calculator/. Using the best-selling
Q: How do I pay for electricity when I use a 100 electric vehicle charging stations (up to exists that enables communication between Nissan Leaf as an example and selecting the
public recharging point? 400 individual sockets) that will be installed by electric vehicle charging stations and a central 40kWh Acenta Auto model (estimated real-
local businesses across the county and made management system, also known as a charging world electric range of 188 miles) ‘plugged-in’ to
A: It is a good question and I’m afraid there is no
publicly available to support increasing number station network, similar to cell phones and cell a 50kW ‘rapid’ charger with no connection fee,
simple answer. Once again it is not typically as
of plug-in vehicles. ‘Fully open’ means electric phone networks. It enables drivers to ‘refuel’ a 30p per kW cost for electricity and assuming
straightforward as paying for petrol or diesel at
vehicle drivers pay by contactless payment with at any charge point. However, such a facility a 20% battery level at the start of charging and
a fuel station, but that is changing. More than
no need to register with networks or become does not exist in the UK due to, it is claimed, a 100% level at the conclusion the charge cost is
20 different public charging networks are
members of organisations. Charlie Jardine, the ‘protectionist’ attitudes of some charge £9.60; the charging time is 38 minutes and 32kW
currently available in the UK, with some offering
founder and CEO of EO Charging, said: “Suffolk’s point providers. Nevertheless, experts suggest of charge are added to give a range of 150 miles
national coverage and others only found in a
existing charging infrastructure that ‘roaming’ is the key for the long-term and a cost per mile of 6.4p. The cost for the same
specific region. The major UK-wide networks
is simply not fit for purpose if introduction of a simple payment solution that charge using a home charging point would be
include BP Chargemaster (Polar), Ecotricity, Pod
we are to see the mass adoption does not require drivers to have potentially £4.48 assuming an electricity cost of 14p kWh,
Point and Charge Your Car. Payment and access
of electric vehicles across the multiple accounts and that could be hastened by according to Zap-Map. Further information on
methods across networks vary widely, with
county. The ‘Plug In Suffolk’ network will play the sector arrival of global energy providers such UK network coverage and costs is available at:
some networks providing a Radio Frequency
a vital role in increasing the density of publicly as BP and Shell or by Government intervention. https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/
Identification (RFID) card and others
available ‘fast’ electric vehicle chargers and public-charging-point-networks/.
a smartphone app to use their services. For example, Shell already offers businesses
will ensure that driving electric in Suffolk is a ‘hybrid’ fuel card that enables electricity as
20 21Q: Can I be assured that a public charge point Concerns about recharging point ‘blocking’ were Q: As demand for plug-in vehicles increases are
will work when I park alongside one? highlighted in a late 2018 report published by energy companies expected to publish special
A: Arriving at a charging point to find it is ‘out the RAC Foundation entitled ‘Development of home charging tariffs?
of order’, remains a major concern of the the UK Public Chargepoint Network’. Author A: It’s a good question and some energy providers
public. However, experts say there has been an Harold Dermott argued that until plug-in electric have started to do just that in the knowledge
improvement in charge point reliability. Latest vehicle hybrids had both a greater electric-only that for many electric vehicle drivers, charging at
data suggests the number of ‘out of order’ range and could accept electricity at a faster rate, home is a crucial part of ownership. Nevertheless,
charge points is around 8% of the total at any chargepoints at motorway service areas should charging at home, whilst cheaper than paying for
one time – down from about 15% in 2017. Charge be reserved solely for battery-only cars. The petrol or diesel or public charging, will increase
point failure is usually related to mechanical or study recommended that chargepoint locations electricity bills. In response, and to add incentives
software weaknesses or no data signal, which for battery-electric vehicles – particularly the for electric vehicle drivers to charge at off-peak
is essential to the operation of a charge point. larger hubs that are now being trialled – needed times, several energy companies have introduced
It allows the charge point to send data to the to offer the services and facilities routinely found energy tariffs tailored specifically for plug-in
with both 50kW ‘rapid’ chargers and 22kW ‘fast’ at traditional fuel stations, such as: protection
network operator such as confirmation of user vehicles. Such tariffs typically have lower unit
chargers. Chargers at the hubs are available to from the weather, food and drink facilities, toilet
authorisation to allow a charge to start, charge costs during the night, when demand on the
the public, local taxi and private hire fleets, NHS provision and good lighting. RAC Foundation
data and error codes amongst others, and for National Grid is reduced, a renewable energy
vehicles and local businesses. Today the city director Steve Gooding, said: “Ever-faster and
the network operator to send data to the charge promise and some offer added benefits such as
has more than 75 charging points and the City more powerful chargepoints
point to initiate a remote start or stop and carry reducing the cost of a home recharging point, a
Council operates a fleet of 87 electric vehicles, might sound like the answer to
out a reboot amongst others. free subscription of a limited period of time to
which it claims is more than any other UK local creating the electric car recharging a public recharging scheme and electric vehicle
authority. network we need, but if the cars
Q: I’ve heard about electric vehicle charging mileage ‘credits’.
hubs opening. What are they? themselves can only be recharged at a certain
Q: I’ve heard about recharging point ‘blocking’, Scottish Power, at the end of January 2019,
rate then at best we’re going to be disappointed
A: They are effectively the equivalent of today’s fuel what is that? became the latest energy company to announce
and at worst we’re going to waste money.
station forecourt. One of the complaints of many an electric vehicle tariff providing discounted off
A: The latest battery-only cars need only five Compatibility between car and charger is key.
plug-in vehicle drivers is that charge points are peak (midnight to 5am) charging prices at home.
minutes at the quickest ‘rapid’ chargepoints to In an area where policy, technology and the
open to the elements and all that such a location The business claimed that the cost of charging
take on enough electricity to add about 15 miles market are almost falling over themselves,
entails – no protection from the weather, a lack an electric vehicle via the SmartPower Green
of range. However, because of the limitations of such is the pace of change, communication
of lighting if using the facility during the hours of EV tariff would be a 10th of the cost per mile of
their on-board control units, it will take almost all between all parties is fundamental. Neither
darkness, cables lying on the floor and possibly running a standard petrol car when comparing
plug-in electric vehicle hybrids an hour or so – or society nor drivers will reap all the potential
on muddy ground, charging bays unmarked and electricity costs with the cost of fuel. The
12 times as long – to achieve a similar amount of rewards of ‘greener’ transport if there is
with no wi-fi connection. An electric vehicle company calculated a 10th cost saving based on a
charge (the average UK plug-in hybrid electric confusion about how it should best be
charging hub, where multiple charge points are comparison between electricity unit rate per mile
vehicle battery capacity is presently 9.1kWh delivered. Ultimately, ‘refuelling’ electric
gathered under one roof, provide all the facilities (1.06p) and petrol cost per mile (11p) between a
meaning it will take about two hours to charge vehicles should be at least as convenient and
that drivers require for a charge and are in effect Hyundai Kona electric vehicle and Hyundai Kona
from 20% to 100% state of charge for a real- fuss-free as filling up with petrol
be the plug-in vehicle equivalent of a modern petrol engine utilising off-peak charging between
world driving range of less than 25 miles). That or diesel. As the report makes
filling station. midnight and 5am at 4.736p/kWh. To benefit
mismatch, it is claimed means that expensive, clear we may be on the right road
In 2018, Dundee Council opened three early from the tariff a range of conditions must be met.
high-specification recharging equipment which but we are not there yet.”
concept electric vehicle charging hubs in the is essential to battery-only vehicles on long
city, with further hubs planned at the city’s three journeys could be ‘blocked’ by other, slower-
main multi-storey car parks. Each hub is equipped charging vehicles.
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