OPINION
CHRIS COLLINS, COUNTRY PRESIDENT FOR SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IRELAND, DISCUSSES HOW A SMART EV CHARGING MODEL COULD CREATE UP TO 70% EFFICIENCY GAINS AND REDUCE THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED IN HIGHER VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT… What’s holding back Ireland’s transition to electric vehicles?
A ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ireland, transportation is responsible for around 20% of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it one of the most pressing issues to be tackled in relation to climate change. Incentives and grants, such as the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI)-administered Grant for Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchases, have helped to reduce the high upfront costs of buying electric vehicles (EVs). However, the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge - EV batteries require specific equipment and sometimes hours to be fully recharged. The pace of the rollout of charging points available to the general public will undoubtedly be a significant deciding factor in many EV sales. Approximately 90% of EV purchasers charge their cars at home or work but many households don’t have driveways or garages and rely on on-street parking, making it challenging to charge overnight. A lack of public charging
points means drivers are anxious about getting stuck out of range from the nearest charging point. There also needs to be more consideration around on-route charging along the main arterial roads or at service stations. And, what’s more, we will need to see a much wider availability of ultra-rapid charging facilities instead of the ‘slow’ charging points which still feature in some public areas. Balancing consumer costs with the need to strengthen EV infrastructure The maximum EPA grant available to consumers is set to be cut from €5,000 to €3,500 from 1 July, but with more than half of all EVs currently on the road being grant aided, it makes sense to focus on infrastructure. As EV adoption increases, there is a need to integrate low-carbon energy sources into the grid and improve electrical infrastructure to deliver EV charging when and where it is needed. Utilities must balance these necessary upgrades and avoid further hiking the cost of
electricity for consumers and businesses, which would also weaken the appetite for electric vehicle charging. A new infrastructure model is needed to better understand how, when, and where consumers will want to charge up – as well as other environmental factors that might impact driver behaviour. A smart charging model could create up to 70% efficiency gains and reduce the investment required in higher voltage equipment. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Ireland requires a concerted effort from policymakers, automakers, and other stakeholders, but there are several improvements to our electrical infrastructure which utilities can begin work on now. Investing in and deploying technologies that will give their operations the agility and resilience now will pave the way for a smooth and steady transition.
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