With the rapid rise of electric vehicles, the question has been raised of where all of these EV drivers will be able to charge their cars. With fuel stations situated on the vast majority of major roads in the UK, it is reasonable to expect a similar network of public charging stations for EV drivers to recharge.
However, whilst not available at all service stations, EV chargers can be found in numerous different public and semi-public places, such as shopping centres, workplaces, offices, car parks, hotels and restaurants. This type of charging is called ‘destination charging’.
Creating the infrastructure
2.9 million charging points are required in Europe by 2030 to meet the demand
When planning a long journey, early identification of both destination and rapid DC charging stops will help to provide a stress-free drive for EV owners. DC fast chargers are perfect for quick top-ups at strategic points during the trip, complemented by destination charging at various planned stops along the way. This ideal combination of charging facilities suggests that there is no limit as to how far an electric vehicle can travel in one outing and ensures the journey can be completed in good time.
According to the masterplan, Recharge EU from the Transport and Environment (T&E), to keep pace with the exponential rise of EVs, which is estimated to grow to 13 million in 2025 and 33 million in 2030 under current policies (or 44 million with climate-neutral policies), the number of chargers needs to increase rapidly. T&E states that 1.2 million to 1.3 million charging points are required by 2025 and 2.2 million to 2.9 million by 2030 (policy type dependent).
By end of December 2021, 260,000 publicly accessible charging points were available in Europe, of which less than 36,000 were fast chargers (with power above 22kW), according to statistics by the European Alternative Fuels Observatory EAFO
Home charging, public charging and ‘right to plug'
In order to achieve the optimum charging infrastructure, chargers need to be fairly distributed throughout the region. Too few charge points in any one place will result in long queues and frustrated drivers, too many charge points could potentially cause the electricity grid to overload if they are all occupied at the same time.
When EVs were first introduced, home charging was the most common method and this remains the case to this day, with more than 90% of EV charging taking place at private charge points. However, the focus has now started to shift from home charging to workplace and public charging. EV chargers are being added to a variety of private and public sites, so drivers are able to charge their vehicles whilst at the office, during a hotel stay, eating out, shopping, visiting the cinema, etc.
This type of destination charging generally offers low-speed chargers, as EV drivers tend to spend a reasonable amount of time at the location. The vehicle can be charged over a few hours, as opposed to 30 minutes to 1 hour in the case of (ultra) fast charging. With destination charging, EV vehicles are charged at a slower pace, thus preventing additional strain on the national grid.
Looking to the future, the Transport and Environment (T&E) and European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) are collaborating to call for a ‘right to plug’ for all EV drivers, allowing them to be able to install a charger – usually at their own cost – when they purchase or lease an electrically chargeable vehicle.
The ‘right to plug’ initiative also calls upon the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to set fundamental requirements for pre-cabling of parking spaces in new and existing residential and non-residential areas and to impose a minimum number of charge points on sites with 10 or more parking spaces.
The advantages of destination charging
- The convenience of charging the vehicle whilst the driver is otherwise engaged.
- The elimination of ‘range anxiety’ by providing the drivers with a guaranteed charge point at their destination.
- The confidence to dodge time-consuming queues for the fast chargers at the service station.
- The prevention of a grid overload, as most destination charge points provide low-speed chargers.
Why businesses should be a destination for EV drivers
Forward-thinking businesses are investing in EV charging stations for their premises, as the benefits are clear:
- Attract new customers – EV drivers will opt for venues offering charge points.
- EV drivers are encouraged to spend longer on site, whilst the vehicle charges.
- Provide a better experience for EV driving customers, visitors and employees.
- Demonstrates the business’ commitment to building a more sustainable future.
Additional information: Types of EV chargers explained >
TSG UK is your partner for installing EV chargers
TSG Charge provides E-mobility solutions to satisfy the requirements of all businesses. Our charge experts can advise owners on the type, number and location of the chargers on site, taking into account specific local requirements and regulations.
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