National Grid plans propose network of 50 ultra-rapid chargers to speed EV uptake

Fri 23 February 2018 View all news

The National Grid has drawn up plans to help tackle the challenges of long distance electric vehicle travel in the UK. The plans outline the potential for the installation of 50 ultra-rapid charging stations across the country with the potential to recharge at 350kW (enabling a charge in 5 to 12 minutes). If strategically placed, 90% of EV drivers would be within 50 miles of an ultra-rapid charger.
 
The National Grid plans look at how electric vehicle take-up can continue to accelerate by removing range anxiety. However, the National Grid has no plans to build or operate any charging stations as a public EV charging network (contrary to some earlier reports).
 
The plans include solutions such as installing 50 ultra-rapid units at each charging station, which would create a huge and extremely important high-speed charging network.
 
There are currently no EVs on the market that can charge at even half the 350kW power proposed, so the installations would allow for future increase in charging speed.  
 
As the proposed charging stations would be linked directly to the UK’s high-voltage grid, this would remove the need to create local grids with enough capacity to supply multiple ultra-high speed chargers.
 
A National Grid spokesperson said: “If you overlay the motorway network over the transmission network, there is a synergy. The electricity transmission network runs close to motorway network and likely to be most efficient connection at many sites.
 
“In terms of how you space rapid chargers; 50 miles was used in the autonomous vehicles bill. When we mapped England and Wales with the grid, 90% of people using network would be within 50 miles of a rapid charger.
 
“We think the rollout of the charging points should be structured and co-ordinated. Rather than connecting one customer at a time and having a piecemeal approach, provide the infrastructure in a coordinated way. Our solution is about future proofing; not just for cars but for light goods vehicles and trucks in the future.”
 
LowCVP's EV Network Group has been set up to drive forward solutions that will allow electric vehicles to work in harmony with the UK electricity distribution network. It will act as a focal point to address both technological and infrastructural needs.
 
Meanwhile, the BEIS Committee has published evidence from a wide range of stakeholders on its inquiry Electric Vehicles: Developing the Market. The Committee has been calling witnesses to provide oral evidence based on the written submissions received.
 
The Committee has been asking:
  • How will increased uptake of electric vehicles, to meet the Government's 2040 target to end the sale of new diesel and petrol cars, affect the electricity grid?
  • What action is needed to manage impacts, and to make the most of opportunities afforded by vehicle-to-grid technologies?
  • How do charging infrastructure requirements differ for alternative types of vehicle, journey, and user (including fleets)?
  • How should new infrastructure for electric vehicles and associated grid reinforcements be sustainably funded?

More information is available on the Committee website.

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