Research / White Papers

Fuel retailers look to EV charging to secure loyalty and boost revenue

lmcloughlin — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:07:28 +0000

Fuel retailers look to EV charging to secure loyalty and boost revenue lmcloughlin Mon, 10/21/2024 - 16:07

With 88% of retailers concerned about competing with home, workplace, and destination charging as the US transitions to EVs, Konect has released a white paper outlining ten key action points for adaptation.

The shift to EVs is pressuring forecourt operators to adjust to a rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem. As federal and state policies align behind electric vehicles, the IEA projects that by 2035, 71% of new passenger cars and 72% of light-duty trucks in the US will be electric, reducing fuel demand by 2.5 million barrels daily. Boston Consulting Group warns that 80% of forecourts could become unprofitable unless they adapt.

However, EV charging offers opportunities for innovative retailers. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) predicts the US will need 1.25 million public chargers by 2030. Forecourts, with convenient locations and long-dwell amenities, are well-positioned to host these, creating new revenue streams.

Most fuel retailers expect demand for charging to rise in the next five years. Among those offering EV chargers, 41% did so to drive traffic to on-site facilities like convenience stores and restaurants. Despite this, concerns about high investment costs, uncertain ROI, and complex installations remain barriers.

Konect’s research shows that integrating EV charging into businesses can be profitable, offering a clear path forward through infrastructure ownership, customer experience management, and seamless technology integration.

For more details, download a free copy of the Konect white paper including a ten-point plan to accelerate ROI at https://info.gilbarco.com/konect/konect-us-research

Gilbarco

James Foster

Getting finance for the transition to electrification and zero-emission mobility

lmcloughlin — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:12:23 +0000

Getting finance for the transition to electrification and zero-emission mobility lmcloughlin Fri, 10/18/2024 - 13:12

Heavy vehicle charging

Research / White Papers

Electrification of fleets

Built infrastructure requirements

Energy Grids and power supply

Government initiatives, innovations, and legislation

Private sector initiatives & innovations (including PPPs)

Charging accessibility

Systems integration

Regulatory interventions, especially in Europe and North America, are pushing industry players to decarbonize their supply chains through 2030 and beyond. Specifically, Europe has one of the most ambitious targets, calling for as much as a 43 percent reduction in emissions for new vehicle sales in 2030 and 90 percent by 2040.

However, this transition to zero emissions faces substantial financial barriers. Despite the potential long-term savings from the transition, the deployment of private capital remains hindered by the fact that early-stage decarbonization projects have insufficient scale. Once projects attain scale, derisking mechanisms are not in place.

To discuss solutions on mobility transition finance, with a focus on trucks, buses, and infrastructure more broadly, McKinsey’s Tobias Schneiderbauer and Max Grossmann spoke with two experts. Uday Khemka is an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist focusing on climate change. Christoph Wolff is CEO of Smart Freight Centre, an international nonprofit focused on emissions accounting and reduction in freight. Both shared insights on the hurdles that must be overcome to draw capital to the mobility transition.

McKinsey: Why are there so few large-scale projects in zero-emission mobility that can attract private capital at scale?

Uday Khemka: The existing system built around fossil fuels has been in place for more than 100 years. In response to climate imperatives, we need to implement a new system in ten years. This is extremely complex and challenging. Investors like simple routes to creating multiples and investment returns, and there is a fundamental contradiction between the interdependent complexity of a system in the midst of change and the simplicity required to derisk investment returns.

The capital has to flow from the private sector because the existing owners of transportation services, states, and federal governments just do not have that kind of capital. This is true in not only emerging markets, which require at least a trillion dollars of extra capital from developed countries every single year for decades, but also in Europe and the United States, where fiscal situations at the country level are not necessarily strong. The only way to replace an entire category of infrastructure is to move from an ownership model to a service procurement model.

That means somebody else has to own those assets—both transportation and charging infrastructure. So far, these assets have been funded in a very limited way, either by OEMs themselves or by high-risk private equity investors. It’s a question of the scale of capital as well as the cost of capital. If the cost of capital does not decline to a point where it more closely resembles infrastructure, it won’t solve the third problem, which is total cost of ownership [TCO] and up-front costs.

Governments play a critical role in providing the right regulatory framework, incentives, and coordination functions to drive derisking and ensure attractive TCO levels for an increasing share of use cases.

We currently have bottlenecks, where we don’t have enough deals, the right economics, or strong demand signals. So it requires an intervention to accelerate what would occur naturally over decades to happen through structured interventions over a short period of time.

The only way to replace an entire category of infrastructure is to move from an ownership model to a service procurement model.

McKinsey: When it comes to convening large-scale private capital deployments in the transportation sector’s mobility transition, who are the main stakeholders that need to be involved in developing a compelling value proposition for investors?

Christoph Wolff: The mobility transition requires a systemic shift: not just replacing fuels but moving to a different power base, which is electricity. Charging stations are the gas stations for electricity. That’s a business model in its own right.

Grid operators are also part of the ecosystem. A charging station capable of accommodating 50 trucks at the same time is a massive factory. So you need to have the right power supply and the grid reinforcements in the right places.

All of these elements need financing. But for the finance sector, this is a new asset class. Investors don’t quite understand it. They will look at the risk and say, “If things go wrong, we don’t want to be at the end of the chain.”

The policy makers are also a stakeholder because they need to put the pressure on everybody to move to a different system. All need to work together to make this complete shift happen over the next 15 to 20 years.

McKinsey: Which mechanisms have proved to be effective in attracting finance to large-scale mobility transition projects and making them viable in the long run?

Uday Khemka: We see at least three key elements: the private sector, from OEMs to operators; government; and investors. These three groups have to coordinate deliberate, time-bound derisking efforts to accelerate this revolution.

I’d argue there are five stages in the derisking process. The first is for government to create extremely clear and consistent regulatory or fiscal signals. We’ve seen various governments change their targets.

The second stage is working with the private sector—transportation OEMs and fleet operators as well as investors. Take bus transportation: a public entity procuring long-term bus services is analogous to procuring power from an independent producer. Just as the independent-power-producer revolution was premised upon power purchase agreements based on pay-per-use models, mobility purchase agreements could be set up similarly. This could be facilitated by the creation of standardized instruments to diminish and quantify the risk in long-term procurement contracts.

The coordination of OEMs, operators, governments, and investors is necessary for actual deployment. For example, by bringing together power producers and distributors with transportation service providers, individual routes can be mapped. A freight transportation service provider using electric trucks knows there will be power on that route, and the infrastructure company investing in the route knows there will be demand for electricity. This coordination requires convening around individual large-scale project corridors down to the local level. Of course, government has a huge role to play by providing infrastructure, financial incentives, and permitting.

The third stage is demand pipeline development. Operating players may not have the capabilities to build investment cases that are aggregated at sufficient scale in order to reduce their cost of capital. Assistance with pipeline development can be extremely important.

The next stage is blended finance, which can best be done when stages one, two, and three are in effect. The fifth stage is the syndication of the deal flow to project investors, corporate investors, programmatic investors, and investors in developed and emerging markets. No function currently exists to do this appropriately. All five of these stages could be complemented with a sixth stage focused on lowering the gap between real and perceived risk, which is particularly relevant for developing countries.

In Scotland, a relatively small market, the government convened all sectors to coordinate policy for electric buses. Similarly, India brought together large-scale demand aggregation plus regulation for electric buses. Most important, it was done in consultation with the private sector, finance, and government at various levels. Such projects require an infrastructure mindset and a high degree of coordination to deliberately derisk. And they need to be done at a much greater scale and with a greater degree of ferocity.

We need teams with a focus on transport electrification that understand the risk and see the opportunity. We can then move toward a core offering from the finance sector.

McKinsey: In your time at the Smart Freight Centre, have you come across successful examples of convening mobility transition finance projects?

Christoph Wolff: We are trying to get to a level of projects with 100 trucks, 500 trucks, or 1,000 trucks. In India, for example, there was a joint announcement across 28 shippers and carriers to deploy roughly 10,000 e-trucks over the next five years. This agreement is divided into tranches of 500 to 1,000 trucks at a time. They collaborate with, among others, finance-as-a-service providers, truck-as-a-service providers, battery-swapping companies, and battery-as-a-service providers, to address financial and technology risks. These arrangements have the potential to unlock this opportunity and mitigate asset risks for private companies.

In Europe and the United States, we have increased collaboration on more-sophisticated use cases. We are working with the Port of Rotterdam and some of the shipping lines on electrifying port drayage for transport between ports and nearby distribution warehouses. This requires large depots where trucks return at night. It is actually a lot simpler than open-loop and corridor-based use cases.

The United States DOE [Department of Energy] supports the development of a network of heavy-duty-truck corridors, some of them with 10,000 trucks a day in both directions. The Smart Freight Center is working with progressive shippers on selected e-truck corridor pilots, especially in the form of long-haul round trips with the aim of achieving TCO parity with combustion-engine trucks. TCO is largely dependent on the circulation patterns, not only on the up-front capital. The aggregation of volumes to more than 1,000 trucks creates sufficient scale to attract asset owners and investors, which could offer e-truck fleets to shippers in the form of a truck-as-a-service model.

Any remaining risk should be covered by first-loss guarantees from specialized lenders or insurance companies. Overall, it’s less a technology challenge than an economic and coordination challenge.

McKinsey: What are three wishes you have for scaling promising use cases?

Christoph Wolff: My first wish is for the finance sector to be more engaged. Transport contributes 25 percent of global CO2 emissions, and heavy transport is around a third of that—about as much as the steel or chemical industry. We need teams with a focus on transport electrification that understand the risk and see the opportunity. We can then move toward a core offering from the finance sector.

The second wish involves the policy makers. In the European Union and United States, it’s important for policy makers to stay on course and serve as an example for other leaders in huge countries.

The third wish is for the supply and demand sides to work together on concrete projects. When that happens, shippers could see the necessary policy, finance, and technology are all there. Once we figure out where we have critical mass, we could then actually work together on pilots and then use cases of scale. That could break the chicken-and-egg dilemma.

Christoph Wolff is the CEO of Smart Freight Centre. Uday Khemka is the cochairman of SUN Group. Tobias Schneiderbauer is a partner in McKinsey’s Munich office, where Max Grossmann is a consultant.

McKinsey

Liam McLoughlin

IDTechEx examines key trends shaping the EV charging market

lmcloughlin — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:09:37 +0000

IDTechEx examines key trends shaping the EV charging market lmcloughlin Mon, 10/14/2024 - 16:09

Research / White Papers

Charging accessibility

V2G and V2X charging developments

It finds that roughly 72% of existing public chargers globally were concentrated in China by the end of 2023, with approximately 77,000 new public charging units being installed every month.

Shazan Siddiqi, senior technology analyst and author of the report explains, "Charging has expanded enormously, but utilisation is low – around 5% for public chargers in 2024, dropping from 10% in 2023. The average Chinese charging post has a charge rate of 30 kW, charges 39 kWh per day, for around 77 minutes per day – this implies around 2-3 customer sessions per day. In the US, however, L3 (DCFC) utilisation is up 32%, growing from an average of 13% in July 2023 to 17% in June 2024. After rapid growth at the end of last year, utilisation appears to have stabilized at 16-17% in the first half of 2024."

The EV charging market is characterised by high capital expenditure (CapEx) and low profit margins, creating a challenging environment for smaller players. The market is ripe for consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller, less profitable entities to scale up operations.

Innovations such as smart charging, which balances grid demand and integrates renewable energy sources, are becoming more prevalent, enabling more sustainable and reliable charging options. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is also gaining traction, allowing EVs to feed energy back into the grid, thus providing additional value to both consumers and energy providers. The report plots how these technological developments are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of EV charging, making the infrastructure smarter and recognizing the value of EVs as distributed energy resources.

IDTechEx

James Foster

ChargePoint highlights trends and technologies which will propel the charging industry’s future growth

lmcloughlin — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:48:52 +0000

ChargePoint highlights trends and technologies which will propel the charging industry’s future growth lmcloughlin Mon, 10/14/2024 - 11:48

Research / White Papers

Private sector initiatives & innovations (including PPPs)

V2G and V2X charging developments

Online charger booking and payment systems

Hardware and software for DC chargers

Data gathering/Cloud storage

Sustainable power generation (all types)

The company is focused on developing next-generation products and software that will transform both hardware and vehicle capabilities, including V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology. These advancements are expected to reshape home, fleet, and municipal charging, while helping to balance the electrical grid. Automakers are now fully embracing EV charging, with new vehicles offering features like 300+ mile ranges and 800-volt architectures for faster charging.

For EV drivers, reliability is improving significantly. Interoperability issues and aborted charging attempts are becoming things of the past, as “Plug and Charge” technology rolls out. Drivers can now simply plug in, charge, and drive away without extra steps, thanks to automated payments and seamless compatibility between cars and major charging networks. ChargePoint is at the forefront of developing the software and hardware that make this possible.

Software is now central to the charging ecosystem, enabling real-time charger visibility, AI for reliability, and power-sharing capabilities. This shift to “software-defined charging” underscores the importance of cloud-based solutions over traditional hardware.

On the hardware front, costs are gradually declining while functionality increases. For home charging, AC remains the standard, but DC will become more common for vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities like solar integration. Public and commercial charging will focus on affordability, with DC fast charging becoming standardized around 50 kW, 200 kW, and 400 kW, depending on the location type.

Advances in EV batteries will further reduce costs and weight, while charging speeds may cap at 600-700 kW for 800V architectures. As charging companies and automakers continue to address early challenges, the focus is shifting toward affordability, reliability, and aspirational features ChargePoint says.

ChargePoint

James Foster

77% of electricians are frustrated by current state of EV charger installation

lmcloughlin — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:47:38 +0000

77% of electricians are frustrated by current state of EV charger installation lmcloughlin Wed, 10/09/2024 - 15:47

Research / White Papers

Maintenance planning & initiatives

Built infrastructure requirements

The report, based on a recent survey of 438 North American electricians, sheds light on the industry's growing pains, the skills gap, and the optimism that surrounds the future of EV infrastructure.

Key findings from the report reveal that 77% of electricians say they are frustrated by EV charger installation. Aside from skill gaps, the top issues are unexpected labour costs or time on job (38%) and poor manufacturer support (35%).

Some 64% of electricians are at least somewhat confident in assessing EV charger quality. 19% admit they have a lot to learn. Meanwhile, 64% think the rise in EV charging has increased employment opportunities and job security. 62% believe the demand for qualified electricians will rise within 5-10 years.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the real-world challenges electricians encounter, reinforcing the need for practical, user-focused solutions.

The report highlights key areas where EVSE manufacturers must focus to meet electricians' needs and drive industry success. User-friendly, reliable hardware, alongside improved training and technical support are imperative to reduce installation times and errors. Addressing these challenges will enhance satisfaction among electricians, set new industry benchmarks, and foster trust and collaboration crucial for EV infrastructure growth. FractalEV aims to lead in these efforts, ensuring success in the evolving industry.

"Electricians are the backbone of the EV charging industry, and their insights are invaluable as we work to improve the technology and infrastructure," said Chris Mendes, CEO of FractalEV. "Our report highlights both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and we are committed to making the necessary changes to support electricians and help the industry grow sustainably."

The report, "Against the Current: 438 Electricians on Today's EV Charger Technology," is available to download for free from the company’s website.

FractalEV

James Foster

Troutman Pepper report highlights legal challenges in US EV charging infrastructure

lmcloughlin — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:08:13 +0000

Troutman Pepper report highlights legal challenges in US EV charging infrastructure lmcloughlin Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:08

Research / White Papers

Built infrastructure requirements

Government initiatives, innovations, and legislation

Online charger booking and payment systems

Maintenance planning & initiatives

Data gathering/Cloud storage

The report examines the shifting legal landscape and the regulatory challenges that EV charging operators and industry stakeholders must navigate as the demand for EVs in the US continues to rise.

One of the key issues highlighted in the report is the complexity of energy regulation. EV charging companies must comply with a patchwork of federal and state regulations. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees wholesale electricity sales, while individual states regulate retail sales, leading to inconsistencies in the way charging stations are treated. Some states consider EV charging a service rather than an energy sale, adding to the regulatory complexity.

Data privacy and security also present significant challenges for EV charging operators. These stations collect vast amounts of sensitive data, including driver profiles and charging patterns, requiring operators to adhere to strict privacy laws and cybersecurity protocols. Ensuring compliance is essential to protecting users’ information and avoiding legal penalties.

Liability is another area of concern. Operators may face risks related to equipment failure or safety issues at charging stations. Proper contracts and insurance coverage are critical for managing these risks effectively.

The report also discusses the payment systems used by charging operators and e-mobility service providers (eMSPs). Facilitating payments for charging services can trigger state and federal money transmission regulations, and companies must navigate these legal frameworks to avoid penalties.

Incentives and evolving laws play a crucial role in expanding EV infrastructure. Federal legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), offers significant financial incentives. However, staying informed about changing regulations is vital for stakeholders to fully leverage these opportunities.

Chad Warpula, a partner at Troutman Pepper, emphasised the importance of understanding and addressing the regulatory obligations tied to the rapid expansion of EV adoption. He noted that as the market grows, proactive engagement with legal risks is essential for the successful development and operation of EV charging infrastructure.

Troutman Pepper’s energy and environmental practices are recognised for assisting clients with complex matters across the US. The firm advises a diverse range of clients, including automobile manufacturers, charging station companies, automotive suppliers, independent power producers, banks, utilities, private equity funds, and large corporations.

Troutman Pepper

James Foster

Advances in EV charging technology: Global investments are shaping the EV revolution

lmcloughlin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:47:21 +0000

Advances in EV charging technology: Global investments are shaping the EV revolution lmcloughlin Fri, 09/27/2024 - 10:47

V2G and V2X charging developments

Research / White Papers

As the world transitions toward more sustainable modes of transportation, the electric vehicle (EV) sector has seen an unprecedented surge in growth. Central to this shift is the evolution of EV charging equipment, a crucial component that supports the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

The rise of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology represents a significant leap in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. This innovative technology allows electric vehicles to interact with the power grid by both drawing energy from and supplying energy back to it. By transforming EVs into mobile energy storage units, V2G technology helps balance supply and demand on the grid, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of the power system.

Several startups are leading the way in V2G technology development. Synoop offers an AI-driven solution for optimizing bidirectional EV charging and discharging, allowing fleet owners to generate revenue by supplying power back to the grid. IoTecha provides a cloud-based IoT platform that integrates V2G technology, enabling dynamic load sharing and financial incentives. Green Energy Wallet uses blockchain to record V2G transactions, enhancing transparency and reducing costs.

These startups are paving the way for more intelligent, integrated charging solutions. As V2G technology continues to evolve, there will likely be a growing emphasis on smart charging stations capable of real-time data analysis and dynamic grid interaction.

As V2G technology gains traction, it is set to revolutionize the EV charging landscape. By enabling vehicles to both draw from and contribute to the grid, V2G technology offers enhanced grid stability, environmental benefits, and cost savings. The demand for sophisticated charging infrastructure will grow, driven by the increasing adoption of V2G-capable vehicles and the need for advanced bi-directional charging solutions. This transformation will not only impact the EV market but also foster innovation and investment in the broader energy and transportation sectors.

Key vendors and their contributions
Several major companies are leading the charge in the EV charging equipment market, each contributing unique solutions and innovations.

Tesla
Tesla is a dominant force in the EV charging landscape, primarily through its Supercharger network. The company’s Superchargers are known for their high-speed charging capabilities, delivering up to 250 kW and enabling long-distance travel with minimal downtime. Tesla’s proprietary technology ensures seamless integration with its vehicles, providing a streamlined user experience. The company is also expanding its network globally, with an emphasis on both urban and highway locations to support increasing EV adoption.

Tesla’s focus on innovation extends beyond charging speed. The company is developing advanced charging solutions, such as the upcoming V4 Superchargers, which promise even higher power outputs and enhanced vehicle compatibility. Additionally, Tesla’s efforts in creating a robust network of charging stations help alleviate range anxiety among EV owners and contribute to the overall growth of the market.

ChargePoint
ChargePoint operates one of the largest and most diverse EV charging networks in the world. The company offers a range of charging solutions, including Level 2 AC chargers and DC fast chargers. ChargePoint’s network is extensive, with over 200,000 charging spots available across various locations, including public charging stations, commercial properties, and residential complexes.

ChargePoint is known for its commitment to reliability and accessibility. The company’s charging stations are designed to be user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of EV models. In addition to hardware, ChargePoint provides advanced software solutions for managing and optimizing charging operations. Their cloud-based platform offers features such as real-time monitoring, usage analytics, and payment processing, enhancing the overall charging experience for users and operators alike.

ABB
ABB is a major player in the EV charging market, renowned for its Terra line of DC fast chargers. ABB’s chargers are designed for high performance and rapid charging, delivering up to 350 kW of power. This capability allows for ultra-fast charging, reducing downtime and making long-distance travel more feasible for EV owners.

ABB’s charging solutions are known for their reliability and versatility, supporting a wide range of EV models and charging standards. The company is also involved in developing next generation charging technologies and has established partnerships with several automotive manufacturers to advance the industry’s infrastructure.

Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric offers a comprehensive range of EV charging solutions through its EVlink product line. The company’s chargers cater to various needs, including residential, commercial, and public charging applications. Schneider Electric’s EVlink series includes smart charging solutions that integrate with energy management systems, enabling users to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs.

Schneider Electric’s focus on smart technology is evident in its offerings, which include features such as remote monitoring, energy management, and user authentication. These capabilities enhance the efficiency of charging operations and contribute to the sustainability of EV charging infrastructure.

Siemens
Siemens is a significant contributor to the EV charging equipment market, with its Sicharge line of DC fast chargers. Siemens’ chargers are designed for high performance, supporting rapid charging and high reliability. The company’s solutions are compatible with various EV models and charging standards, making them a versatile choice for different applications.

Siemens is also involved in developing solutions for integrating EV charging with smart grid technology and renewable energy sources. This focus on sustainability and efficiency aligns with the broader goals of reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the transition to electric mobility.

What to expect from the future of EV charging equipment?
The future of EV charging equipment is set to undergo transformative changes driven by advancements in technology, increased investment, and evolving consumer demands. As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, we can anticipate a substantial expansion of charging networks to accommodate the rising number of EVs on the road. This will involve increasing the density of charging stations in urban areas, along highways, and in underserved regions to ensure widespread and convenient access.

Sustainability will become a focal point, with future charging infrastructure integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, coupled with advanced energy storage systems, to minimize environmental impact and support a greener grid. Technological innovations will further enhance the charging experience, with developments such as ultra-fast chargers that significantly reduce charging times, wireless charging solutions that eliminate the need for physical connections, and bidirectional charging that allows EVs to return power to the grid. Additionally, there will be a greater emphasis on improving user experience through intuitive interfaces, seamless payment systems, and real-time status updates, making the charging process more user-friendly and efficient. Increased investment from both public and private sectors, along with strategic collaborations, will drive the deployment of these new technologies and the expansion of charging infrastructure, paving the way for a more robust and accessible EV charging ecosystem.

United States: Leading the charge with ambitious investments
In the United States, the push towards a greener future is unmistakable. Federal and state-level policies are steering the market toward significant growth, underpinned by the Biden administration’s commitment to green energy and infrastructure. The administration’s strategic investments in EV infrastructure are a game-changer, setting the stage for a vast expansion in charging stations across the country.

California, New York, and Texas are at the forefront of this transformation. These states not only lead to EV adoption but also in deploying extensive networks of charging stations. California, with its ambitious climate goals and substantial state incentives, has become a hub for EV infrastructure development. Similarly, New York and Texas are rapidly expanding their charging networks to meet increasing demand.

The market's dynamism is further fueled by the presence of major EV manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian, and prominent charging networks such as ChargePoint and EVgo. Their contributions are instrumental in shaping a robust and accessible EV charging landscape across the US.

Europe: The Green Frontier
Europe is setting the global standard for EV adoption and charging infrastructure, driven by the European Union’s rigorous climate policies and regulations. The continent is a melting pot of innovation and commitment, with various regions demonstrating varying levels of advancement.

Western Europe stands out for its high rates of EV adoption and sophisticated charging infrastructure. Norway, with its generous subsidies and established charging network, boasts one of the highest per capita rates of EVs worldwide. The Netherlands and Germany are also leading the charge, with extensive investments in both public and private charging solutions, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Southern Europe is making strides, albeit at a more measured pace. Spain and Italy are expanding their charging networks with the help of EU funding and national policies aimed at reducing emissions. While the growth is slower compared to their Northern and Western counterparts, the momentum is steadily building.

Eastern Europe presents a more gradual growth trajectory. Countries like Poland and Hungary are slowly ramping up their investments in EV infrastructure. Despite the slower pace, EU support and local initiatives are poised to drive significant progress in the coming years.

Jessica Shirley is manager - marketing & SEO at Arizton Advisory & Intelligence.

About Arizton Advisory and Intelligence
Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. It provides comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence

Jessica Shirley

Global EV charging infrastructure needs to grow more than 500% by 2030

lmcloughlin — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:52:47 +0000

Global EV charging infrastructure needs to grow more than 500% by 2030 lmcloughlin Tue, 09/17/2024 - 16:52

Built infrastructure requirements

Research / White Papers

Hardware and software for DC chargers

The US, Europe, and the UK are six times behind the required number of charging points to meet EV demand by 2030. The US, the world’s second-largest EV market, has under 200,000 public charging bays but needs over one million more by 2030, a 550% increase. Europe requires a 5.5-fold increase to its 630,000 public charge points, while the UK needs a 350% rise from 70,000 to 300,000.

Current installation rates suggest these targets won't be met. For example, Europe is three times behind the annual rate needed to achieve its 2030 goals. This gap presents an opportunity for fuel retailers. Konect, established by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, sees existing fuel retailers as key to addressing this shortfall due to their strategic locations and amenities.

Om Shankar, Vice President of Konect, emphasised the importance of placing new charge points at familiar and convenient locations for drivers. However, the industry faces challenges, including charge-point downtime and inadequate support from service partners. Konect’s research shows over 71% of charge-point operators struggle with downtime, and 57% cite service support as a major barrier.

Konect aims to help fuel retailers build reliable EV charging infrastructure. They offer a comprehensive solution, from consultancy and installation to maintenance and customer service. Their DC fast-charging technology features an ergonomic design, easy maintenance, and an adaptable charging cable. A customizable LCD touchscreen enhances user experience.

The charging infrastructure is part of a broader cloud-based platform that integrates on-site facilities, energy management, and off-grid solutions. This system aims to maximise efficiency, boost profitability, and ease the transition to electric mobility for operators.

Gilbarco

James Foster

Convenience is king if we want to increase the adoption of EVs, says Monta

lmcloughlin — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:42:16 +0000

Convenience is king if we want to increase the adoption of EVs, says Monta lmcloughlin Mon, 09/16/2024 - 11:42

Hardware and software for AC chargers

Hardware and software for DC chargers

Built infrastructure requirements

Research / White Papers

Charging accessibility

Company News

Key industry milestones

Since February 2021, Monta's network has expanded from one charge point to 36,121 active charge points, with 16,000 more expected soon. These charge points have delivered over 3.1 million successful charges.

With 68,273 public charging points across the UK, Monta’s contribution highlights its commitment to expanding the private EV charge point network. Alok Dubey, Monta's regional director, emphasises the need for innovation in both public and private networks, pointing out that most UK charge points are still located at homes or workplaces.

Dubey stresses the importance of offering more service options, including low-voltage destination charging, to meet diverse consumer needs. As EV adoption grows, a mix of fast and slow charge points will be essential to provide choice and reduce reliance on new electricity grids, which will take years to develop. Monta's efforts, alongside government incentives, aim to drive the UK EV market, predicted to reach £28.8bn by 2028.

Monta

James Foster

Range anxiety Is a thing of the past, according to Allstar’s Insights

lmcloughlin — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:38:12 +0000

Range anxiety Is a thing of the past, according to Allstar’s Insights lmcloughlin Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:38

Research / White Papers

Built infrastructure requirements

Online charger booking and payment systems

This one day accounted for 38%, according to year-on-year charging analysis, of all the August bank holiday weekend’s charging, while the demand for EV charging on the Friday ahead of the long weekend has surged by 183% in the last three years alone. This trend is set to continue as more domestic and business travel is anticipated throughout the end of August. It follows the general growth of public charging usage which has increased 264% by Allstar’s business customers year-on-year, as revealed in the latest Allstar AllCosts report.

Around half of Brits (45%) are set to travel more this summer than last, and over a third (37%) are planning a staycation. With a calendar of events from sporting tournaments to festivals well underway, August is set to be a busy time for many UK drivers, including those travelling for business. Business travel has many different guises beyond white collar workers getting to and from meetings, from the delivery driver dropping off bespoke tennis equipment right the way through to a band’s tour bus driver needing to get the group to their next show or the ice cream van providing refreshments at the beach.

Allstar has been solving payment problem by delivering Allstar Chargepass, the UK’s only fleet payment solution that covers all known needs from fuel to public or home charging, reporting, and controls, among others.

Allstar

James Foster