The growing sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continues apace, as governments around the world set ambitious targets for EV adoption in line with wider emissions reduction goals. However, can a rapid roll-out of EV charge points (EVCPs) lead to a lack of safety?
Strategic Technical Director at Bureau Veritas, Michael Kenyon MIET, looks at recent research on EVCP safety and asserts that more must be done to ensure this high current using equipment remains fit for use.
Although thought to be a modern phenomenon, electric vehicles share a common history with fuel cars. The first electric wheeled vehicles were developed in the 19th century, alongside the familiar gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE).
However, while the last century has been dominated by petrol and diesel cars, there is now a global shift to EVs, as governments around the world cite transport as a key area for decarbonisation. The UK Government specifically has targeted 2035 for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and we’ve seen an almost 400% growth in EVs registered in the UK over the past 4 years. This will show no sign of abating as economies of scale will be seen with higher production volumes and lower battery costs together putting EVs at a competitive price compared to ICEs in the next decade.
With a growing demand for EVs, so too does the need increase for EVCPs. As of October 2024, there had been more than 17,500 charge points added to the UK public network, already surpassing the full figure for 2023. While most of these charge points are considered low powered devices, operating at under 8kW, it’s worth noting that a standard UK plug socket only operates at 3kW. Therefore, the power provided even by a low-powered charge point is enough to cause a significant shock to a user.
There’s also been a key shift towards higher powered ultra-rapid chargers (+150kw) with more than 2,500 installed this year – meaning there are 70% more at the end of October 2024 than there were in December 2023.
The state of play for the UK’s EVCP network
Despite the need for more UK drivers to transition to EVs, there remains the challenge of range anxiety. Studies show that availability of charging infrastructure has a positive correlation with EV uptake. Lower uptake of EVs results in less investment in the necessary infrastructure, which then further exacerbates range anxiety – it’s a catch 22 situation.
It’s vital that investment is made into the UK’s EV charge point network – to not only increase the number of chargers to meet potential demand, but to ensure the EVCPs that exist are quality, safe and compliant – that way, it’ll be as easy to charge a car as it is to fill it with fuel.
Recent research conducted by specialists within Bureau Veritas, found the true state of the UK’s charge point network. A survey of 325 EV charge points were undertaken during routine inspections – and found over three-quarters had reportable defects.
Other findings, included:
- Almost a third didn’t have protective barriers, making the charge point unit more susceptible to mechanical damage by a moving vehicle.
- Over a half were visibly damaged but still in service
- 55% had no documentation, despite this being a requirement for all fixed electrical installations for decades
- (8.6%) had incorrect earthing, despite this being a key, well-documented risk of this type of install
- One-fifth had serious and potentially dangerous defects, meaning they were not safe for continued use and needed immediate action
These defects were largely found to be due to poor quality installation and degradation of equipment, many of which would have been identified sooner if a robust maintenance inspection and testing plan had been implemented from initial installation.
What do we need to support the EVCP network?
Many of the defects identified could cause harm to a charge point user, bringing risks of fire or electric shock. An EV charge point is the likely the highest current using equipment a member of the general public will have use of, and so it’s vital that they are installed by a competent and qualified electrician, and regularly inspected and maintained.
The UK’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations 2017 sets out the legal obligations required of the EVCP network. It advises good practice and discretionary actions for operators of publicly accessible charging points and includes requirements on technical standards and data accessibility.
The sharing of data for each charging station is vital to help achieve the appropriate number and ratio of charging points with a solid network management system. Through an internet connection, live information can be provided on the charging locations, types, operational status and usage – this helps EV drivers to be able to manage their range anxiety.
With the number of electric charge points ever-increasing, this provides the opportunity to not only consume energy, but to store it. Facilities managers, local authorities and commercial property owners can adopt smart grid technology to ensure control of electricity during peak demand. By connecting the EV charging system in conjunction with photovoltaic panels (solar power) and battery energy storage (BESS), reliance on the grid is reduced and costly time-of-use tariffs can be avoided during peak demand. By storing renewable energy, FMs and property owners can use surplus energy during peak demand on its own power system – whether that’s lighting, sockets or the EV charge point.
Ensuring compliance
The responsibility to ensure EV charge points are compliant and safe sits firmly with the operator.
Competency is a significant challenge in the electrical world, particularly as newer technologies like EVCPs, solar and BESS develop, which requires new skills to be learnt. There is a lot of extra work required by an electrician to upskill in these installations – and there is a known shortage in this area. For charge point operators, ensuring they appoint a qualified and competent electrician to install a charging station is crucial.
Following installation, it’s vital that charge points are both well-maintained and inspected. Regular maintenance intervals specifically for EVCPs are not stipulated by guidance or regulation, with SAFED citing that functional testing should be done in line with manufacturers recommendations.
Navigating the requirements of regulations, alongside best practice to ensure utmost safety and compliance of EVCPs is no easy feat, which is where third-party organisations such as Bureau Veritas can support.
Bureau Veritas is an independent authority able to support in the transition to EVs. Its Electric Technical Services team can offer consultancy around design and technology feasibility, specification, programme management, regulatory compliance and testing and inspection of the final installed charge point.
Bureau Veritas’ ‘Accelerating the Electrification Journey: 2024 EV Charging Insights’ offers duty holders an overview of the state of play of the UK’s EV charge point network and offers advice and guidance on how to overcome compliance challenges in a rapidly growing charging grid.
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