MARCH 2024 AFTERMARKET 59 www.aftermarketonline.net set up at optimal locations in between. Mapping insights could even inform on which level of charger should be installed depending on potential demand and available funds. For instance, will a cost-effective 22kW public charger suffice, or is a faster but more expensive 50kW or even 350kW charger required? Above all, once EV charging infrastructure is more effective and widely available, this will spark a newfound interest in sustainable electric travel for rural drivers. Creating an everywhere charging network Not all EV charging stations are created equal, however. Alongside the different levels of kW power, chargers can be either static or mobile. As the name suggests, static chargers are permanently fixed in a single location, and drivers travel out of their way towards them to charge their cars. Static chargers are the most common type in the UK and are often found in public locations like car parks, offices and service stations. A larger network of slow-charging, static public infrastructure will play a vital role in encouraging mainstream EV adoption. Enabling individuals to maximise more cost-effective slowcharging opportunities when doing everyday tasks, like being in the office or doing the weekly shop, for example, would democratise the cost of driving an EV versus an ICE vehicle. However, static-only charging infrastructure should be supplemented with flexibility for those in more rural locations. The main limitation of static chargers is clear—they cannot be moved. If rural EV traffic or demand changes, the chargers may then be stuck in ineffective locations, failing to meet their original purpose of easing charging anxiety and encouraging EV uptake. Fortunately, mobile infrastructure is now growing in accessibility. Mobile chargers are portable, popup stations that can be either self-contained or integrated with existing power infrastructure. They offer excellent flexibility because they don’t need to take up permanent residence in areas where space is at a premium, can move around to wherever demand is highest, and can simply bring power to a car, rather than the other way around. They also bring huge benefits to providers. Mobile charging providers armed with geolocation data can spot evolving trends and then relocate their charging stations to maximise usage. If we are to encourage greater EV adoption, the flexibility of mobile charging is a must. The goal is to create an everywhere network in which more cost-effective slowcharging options are available and fit with the convenience of everyday life, not the other way around. Looking ahead The final piece of the rural EV puzzle is greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders. A perfect example of this is Norway. The country leads Europe for EV adoption, with 80% of vehicles sold now electric. This adoption is, in large amounts, down to its nationwide deployment of EV charging stations through huge cooperation between the public and private sectors. Government-funded initiatives and finance bridges have helped to spark increased private investment in EV infrastructure, making electricpowered driving far more accessible for both urban and rural citizens. The UK must follow Norway’s lead. In fact, the Climate Change Committee no longer ranks the UK as a world leader in sustainability, and this can partly be attributed to a lesser commitment to sustainable transport. From geolocation data to advanced mapping, we already have the tools available to install effective EV infrastructure across even the most remote areas of the country. We just need to begin using them.
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