2023 – the road to electrification continues

According to Sevadis, developer, supplier and installer of electric vehicle charging products, the direction towards electrification is only increasing, and the company says it expects the momentum to remain and accelerate in 2023.

It goes without saying that last year presented a wealth of opportunities for the EV industry and industries alike. A diversification of the OZEV grant funding to accommodate numerous scenarios; the introduction of The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge) Regulation; the implementation of mandatory requirements for EV charging points across new build domestic and commercial properties, as well as the launch of new EVs and charging equipment – it was quite the year for the ever-evolving industry.

Technological expansion

The electric vehicle industry is by no means new, however, it still remains in its infancy with scope for technological advancements, including the development of alternative ways to recharge a vehicle that doesn’t include a socket (though this will take time and significant levels of investment from both public and private stakeholders). In 2022 we saw EV charging software providers introduce smart features to their management portals, enabling businesses and electric vehicle drivers to charge their vehicles seamlessly.

One notable feature implemented by EV charging software provider, Monta, is the ability to instantly recharge vehicles without the requirement for providing login details, or the requirement for becoming a Monta member. Virtually any electric vehicle driver can pull-up to any public EV charging point integrated with Monta and charge their vehicle, saving time, and often the pain of signing-up to ‘yet another EV charging app.’ The development of this feature has been welcomed by many EV charging manufacturers, businesses and EV drivers due to its simple and straightforward approach to charging.

For Sevadis, whilst the company is collaborating with key EV charging software providers for both domestic and commercial requirements, the development of EV charging hardware that provides a smooth user experience remains fundamental to its 2023 agenda. Driven by demand and consumer research, in January, Sevadis, in partnership with Autel, will be introducing a new commercial EV charging point to the market, which incorporates technology that allows for a seamless charging experience for all, whether that be at a public or private location.

Introduction of safer EV charging

EV charging capabilities are undoubtedly set to widen within the next 12 months, however, one element of charging that will be immediately implemented (from 30 December) is the safety of an EV charger. In June 2022, the industry witnessed the introduction of The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge) Regulations; a regulation that focused on how drivers can charge smarter to protect the grid. Understanding that the safety of EV drivers whilst charging is paramount, an extension to the regulations, Schedule 1, means that all private EV charging points must be complete with a tamper proof device (in the form of locking catch, or a secure seal), ensuring that the EV chargers cannot be tampered with. As part of Schedule 1, EV drivers must be provided with complete transparency over their EV charger’s activity, for example notification of unauthorised use of the device. A security log must also exist, again, for protection and transparency. Schedule 1 is widely welcomed – user safety is absolutely essential within the charging experience and the implementation of Schedule 1 will create peace of mind for many, if not all, thus eliminating the concerns surrounding EV charger tamper, cyber attacks and uncertified use.

What does the new Schedule 1 mean for EV charging point installations? As seen from the implementation of the initial regulations last year, businesses and EV drivers requiring charging devices for private use will need to ensure that their chosen EV charging points are compliant with the regulations.

A nationwide roll-out

These next 12 months, like the previous year, will play a crucial role in the electrification of the UK, including reaching the nation’s net zero targets. Last year, the EV industry reached a significant milestone of over 500,000 electric vehicles now on the UK roads – this figure is expected to increase due to genuine interest in making the switch, the 2030 ICE ban and businesses seeking to electrify. A nationwide roll-out of EV charging infrastructures remains a core task to encourage uptake, but to also accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road.

With this in mind, 2023 presents ample opportunities for electrical contractors already specialising in EV charging installations, but also, for those who are seeking to diversify their portfolios.

Sevadis, sevadis.com