Mer Charging UK Ltd demonstrates how the future of the electric mobility transition promises greater strides toward net zero
The electric mobility transition is accelerating across the UK. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that 19,933 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 8,899 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) cars were sold in October 2022 alone.
The case for electric transportation has never been stronger. Today, transport is responsible for 20% (approx.) of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Around three-quarters of transport, emissions come from road transport.
A zero-emissions electric mobility system is a core part of global efforts towards achieving the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global warming to preferably 1.5°C. In 2020, a study between the universities of Exeter, Nijmegen and Cambridge titled “Net emission reductions from electric cars and heat pumps in 59 world regions over time” projected that every second car on the streets could be electric in 2050, reducing global CO2 emissions by up to 1.5 gigatons per year.
EVs are not, however, a solution on their own
Charging infrastructure is arguably as important as the vehicles themselves. Research by Paythru shows charge point availability may affect drivers’ decision to choose an EV: 54% of non-EV drivers surveyed said, ‘[not] being able to easily find an electric vehicle charging point when needed’ would ‘worry me and put me off getting an EV’. This highlights the necessity of building a comprehensive, reliable public EV charge point network to ensure drivers across the country see the electric mobility transition as a viable reality and make electric driving the norm.
And yet, the UK Government’s target of reaching 300,000 charge points by 2030 is not currently attainable. There are just over 30,000 chargers in the UK currently. At the current roll-out rate, there would be just over 240,000 charge points in 2030. Accelerating the EV charge point provision in the UK is essential if Government targets are to be met upon the deadline for the phase-out of new sales of petrol/diesel cars and vans.
Getting started with EV charging
Working with local authorities and public sector bodies, Mer, a European EV charging company, is facilitating the expansion of EV charging across the UK by installing and operating reliable, easy-to-use charge points.
Charger location, the power and number of chargers, and financing your project are the initial factors to consider when beginning the EV charging journey. Carefully choosing charger locations is crucial for ensuring residents and visitors of the respective area can get the most out of the chargers. As well as providing charging along busy main roads and city-centre car parks, installing at places where EV charging is currently lacking, such as residential areas where off-street parking is limited and rural areas, will ensure the EV transition is inclusive of all.
In addition, the type and number of chargers in the electric mobility transition will be influenced by what power is available at any given site and whether or not the Grid will be unnecessarily overwhelmed.
Facilitating EV ChargePoint schemes
The multiple financial support models for EV charge point projects highlight the importance of accelerating the electric mobility transition by increasing the charging provision. The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), the Local EV Infrastructure Fund, the EV ChargePoint grant for landlords, and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) are just some of the financial packages on offer to facilitate different EV charging projects.
Mer supports public sector bodies further by offering a variety of financial models under which EV charging projects can be rolled out. As well as providing a part-funded and fully-owned model, our fully funded package includes a turnkey solution, support services, design, installation, warranty, maintenance, overall program management, reporting and customer service.
Frameworks are another excellent opportunity for local authorities and public sector bodies to obtain services from pre-approved suppliers. The procurement tools enable organisations to work with suppliers who have been vetted and are legally compliant whilst simultaneously reducing the time and cost of tendering processes. Mer is a supplier under the Kent County Council via KCS Professional Services, Crown Commercial Services (CCS), ESPO, and Oxford DPS.
Prioritising the customer experience
Other considerations to take when beginning your EV charging journey include prioritising the customer experience. In Paythru’s research, 31% of surveyed drivers said having to download different apps to access EV charge points would ‘put them off getting an EV’. As well as offering multiple payment methods including charge cards and contactless card payment, we work with several roaming partners such as Allstar, Paua, NewMotion, Octopus Electric Juice Network and Zap-Pay (Zap-Map).
This means drivers can charge on our public network with ease.
Finally, a reflection on the sustainable identity of the infrastructure is crucial. Powering a charge point with renewable energy means the EV driving experience is wholly green and inherently sustainable. Backed by Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, Mer can supply EV charge points with 100% renewable, zero-carbon electricity via Statkraft energy businesses.
Working With Mer
Join us on our journey to make electric transportation accessible for all. Contact our team for an initial consultation today.
Our Best Practice Guide for the public sector provides expert advice on creating an EV charging strategy for local authorities and includes reflections from local authorities who have partnered with Mer.
Mer Charging UK Ltd.
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