A recent taskforce report reveals promising solutions for the creation of a shared EV charging network.
- The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) highlights swift resolution potential for shared charging challenges.
- The taskforce identifies key obstacles including pricing, payment systems, and site access.
- Health and safety concerns remain pivotal in shared charging discussions.
- Research shows a strong willingness among fleets to engage in resource sharing.
A report by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) demonstrates a proactive approach towards developing a shared electric vehicle (EV) charging network. According to the AFP’s newly established shared charging committee, which counts prominent organisations such as Royal Mail and the National Grid among its collaborators, many existing hurdles might be resolved swiftly. The taskforce’s investigations focus on enabling businesses to open up their EV chargers for use by other organisations.
The shared charging committee, led by AFP chair Paul Hollick, has conducted three meetings to date. Hollick asserted that electric van operators were enthusiastic about making shared charging a reality. He elaborated on several operational challenges, including the establishment of pricing frameworks, payment methods, reimbursement plans, and site access protocols. Notably, Hollick emphasised that these issues, though numerous, do not pose insurmountable obstacles.
Representatives from influential organisations such as The AA, Alliance Healthcare, Auditel, IFC Group, National Grid, Novuna, and Royal Mail, along with Evata, a digital infrastructure specialist, are contributing to this initiative. These stakeholders explore varied ideas, from reciprocal national charging arrangements to offering existing chargers for communal use. The focus is on enabling ‘top-up’ charging, critical for completing daily operations.
The committee identifies digital infrastructure as a solution to several obstacles, such as pricing transparency, availability scheduling, and site access permissions using technology like RFID gate access. However, health and safety remain central to discussions, particularly concerning the secure access of drivers to charging sites, which poses significant risks. Hollick stresses that ensuring safety for both charging hosts and visiting drivers is a major concern for the committee’s ongoing work.
Research conducted by the AFP in October indicates a considerable openness among fleet operators to participate in shared charging. Approximately 58% of van fleets express willingness to share their charging infrastructure. This level of interest underscores the potential impact shared charging could have in addressing the operational challenges faced by electric van fleets.
The collaborative efforts and willingness of stakeholders indicate a feasible path towards a comprehensive shared charging network.
