Aftermarket April 2022

will require, it has still come a very long way over recent years. In 2011, there were 1,537 public chargepoints. By end of 2021 there were 48,770, which represents an increase of around 3,000%. Overall, the UK is doing quite well. In fact, according to a SMMT analysis of data from the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2021, currently, the UK’s provision of one rapid charger per 32 battery electric vehicles is one of the highest in the world, behind only China at 1:11, South Korea at 1:12 and Japan at 1:17. Meanwhile, the popularity of electrified vehicles is also growing. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of plug-in cars on the road increased by 280.3%, while there was only a 69.8% growth in the number of standard chargepoints. This dichotomy is mirrored in the full- EV/rapid charge ratio also. While the number of full EV cars has grown by 586.8%, the number of rapid/ultra-rapid chargers has gone up by only 82.3%. There is also a regional disparity, as there is with many things in the UK. In late 2020, the ratio of electric cars to standard public chargers was 1:37 in the north of England, and 1:26 in the south. In 2021, it stood at 1:52, in the north and 1:30 in the south. Mandate With this in mind, the UK automotive industry, led by the SMMT, has already published a seven-point plan, put together to facilitate a working partnership on the infrastructure issue between government, industry and all other stakeholders: 1. Embed consumer-centricity in policy and a national plan on charging infrastructure 2. Develop and implement a nationally coordinated but locally delivered infrastructure plan 3. Invest significantly to uplift all types of charging infrastructure, particularly public chargers, ahead of need 4. Set binding targets to ensure adequate public chargepoint provision and social equity 5. Enact proportionate regulation to deliver the best outcomes for consumer experience and expansion of provision 6. Provide adequate enabling support to incentivise and facilitate delivery of charging infrastructure 7. Ensure electricity networks are future-proofed and fit for purpose for zero emission mobility According to SMMT estimates, if the proposed mandate was put in place, and infrastructure was widened across the board, it would mean that the new plug-in car market would keep on growing, resulting in a UK car parc that includes 9.3 million plug-in cars, or 27% of the total, by 2030, and 18.4 million or 54.8% by 2035. Commenting on the plan, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “The automotive industry is up for the challenge of a zero-emission new car and van market by 2035. Delivering this ambition – an ambition that would put the UK ahead of every major market in the world – needs more than automotive investment. It needs the commensurate commitment of all other stakeholders, especially the charging industry as surveys show that range anxiety has been replaced by charging anxiety. “Our plan puts the consumer at the heart of this transition, assuring them of the best possible experience backed by an independent regulator. With clear, equivalent targets and support for operators and local authorities that 10 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net match consumer needs, government can ensure the UK has a chargepoint network that makes electric mobility a reality for all, cutting emissions, driving growth and supporting consumers across the UK.” “Unlocking the full environmental and socio-economic benefits of the transition to zero emission mobility is contingent on collaboration involving industry, government and key sectors, including fleets, infrastructure and energy.” Commenting on the issue from the aftermarket perspective, Peter Lawton, SMMT Aftermarket Section Manager, added: “The electric car market is growing fast, but there is still a long way to go before these vehicles are an option for everyone and one of the main barriers to greater uptake continues to be concerns around charging. That’s why a charging infrastructure mandate, to ensure adequate public chargers nationwide, is critical as it would help accelerate confidence so more car buyers make the switch. Boosting charge point provision would also provide reassurance for garages and workshops looking to invest in training technicians to service and repair EVs. Re-skilling as the sector transitions from internal combustion engines to electrified powertrains is hugely important and SMMT is engaged with the Department for Transport, in particular its Transport labour market and skills consultation, to ensure we have a workforce fit for the future.” For more information, visit: www.smmt.co.uk/wp- content/uploads/sites/2/SMMT-UK-Auto-seven-point-plan- to-boost-Britains-EV-charging-infrastructure.pdf EV dilemma Part of this transition is the upskilling of technicians. With the industry already looking to be running a major shortfall on properly trained techs to work on the EVs we have now, without a major infrastructure roll-out, will things get worse? Commenting on the EV dilemma, and whether techs and businesses should wait for charging infrastructure to catch- up, or up-skill now, IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “There’s no question that the consumer appetite for electric vehicles, no doubt prompted by a variety of factors, from the pandemic to eye-watering fuel prices, continues on an upward trajectory. That should excite everyone working in our sector. However, there are a number of external factors at play that could seriously stall the pace of overall adoption of EV.s “First and foremost, of course, is the actual supply of vehicles. The semi-conductor shortage was already hitting delivery times for new vehicles; The Ukraine crisis is further exacerbating the delays as the supply chain for parts is seriously undermined. “EV uptake is also being impacted by the slow, and unequal, development in the EV charging infrastructure. The recent call from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for improved regulations to ‘level up’ the electric car charging network threw the spotlight on this issue. Unquestionably the lack of consistency in charging infrastructure across the UK is a barrier for drivers to make the switch with confidence.” Chicken and egg According to Steve, what is particularly concerning for the IMI is the impact of these external factors on the appetite amongst employers to upskill their workforce: “It seems we are facing a real ‘chicken and egg’ situation with many