The development and study of a network of rapid charge points across the UK and Ireland.

Transcription

1 The development and study of a network of rapid charge points across the UK and Ireland.

2 The European Union has a target of a 60% reduction of CO 2 emissions from transport by The European Union has set objectives to achieve a decarbonised society by It is a major commitment which will lead to a more sustainable world, with cleaner cities and a more energy independent Europe. The transport and the energy sector are important contributors to realising those objectives. One of the most promising solutions to improve air quality problems in cities, reduce the transport impact on climate change and contribute to energy independence is the electrification of transport. The uptake of battery electric vehicles is a key driver that will solve air-quality issues and reduce urban pollution. To date there has been some major barriers to increasing e-mobility. One of the main blockers to greater EV uptake comes from perceived range anxiety in the absence of an appropriate EV recharging infrastructure. The early years of market commercialisation of electric vehicles saw technical differences in vehicle charging technologies between the major EV car manufacturers. Those differences generated uncertainty amongst drivers and investors alike and eventually resulted in the slow down of the deployment of rapid charge points. However, the Rapid Charge Network (RCN) project has succeeded in joining together all the key OEMs and their resources, with the support of the EU, to make the world s first large deployment of multi-standard electric vehicle rapid charging stations linking Ireland, the United Kingdom and, through ports and airports, to continental Europe. The Rapid Charge Network (RCN) is a project led by Nissan and including the major car companies of Renault, BMW and Volkswagen alongside the Irish electric utility and distribution network operator ESB. It is bringing a practical and universal solution to EV drivers and will contribute to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the UK and Ireland. The outcome of this project will also have a significant impact on the decarbonisation of European transport by facilitating the adoption of electric mobility. Olivier Paturet General Manager, Zero Emission Strategy, Nissan Europe

3 RAPID CHARGE NETWORK Electrifying connections across the UK and Ireland 74 CHARGE POINTS A network of multi-standard charge points across the UK and Ireland. 1,100km COVERAGE Covering 1,100km of major spine roads. The de-carbonisation of transport will only succeed if a full, harmonised European network is in place in the coming years and if the major investors are convinced about the economic sustainability of the recharging business. The Rapid Charge Network project will support the uptake of electric vehicles by developing a network of 74 multi-standard, interoperable EV rapid charge points. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme. This is the first time major car manufacturers have joined forces with Member States, universities and major utilities to deploy a fully multi-standard and interoperable rapid charging network. The project aims to break down one of the major barriers to the uptake of electric vehicles to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and is in line with the EU directive for the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure. THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS Linking seaports and airports. 4 LEADING MANUFACTURERS The support of four major vehicle manufacturers. The project aims to: Establish a pilot network of 74 multi-standard rapid chargers along the European Union s Priority Projects road axes 13 and 26. Develop a comprehensive strategy with a detailed roadmap, appropriate guidelines and recommendations for the development of an interoperable EV rapid charge network to support other EU countries and cities to develop similar networks. Test, operate and monitor the use of this pilot network of rapid charge points. This will explore cross-border solutions which meet the needs of both drivers and charge point operators, delivering valuable insights into the feasibility of similar transnational networks. Disseminate the findings of the study locally, nationally and across Europe.

4 BUILDING THE NETWORK How The Project Will Grow The Rapid Charge Network project is divided into a number of key strands: 1. Development of the multi-standard rapid charge point Developing a multi-standard rapid charge point which is suitable for charging all standardised electric vehicles is a key element of the project. This activity will see the development of one charge point that will combine the CHAdeMO with the Combined Charging System 44 kw DC protocols and 43 kw AC protocol into one easily accessible charging station. 2. Design of the rapid charge point station The project will explore the possibility of developing dedicated EV station structures which could provide overhead shelter to the EV charge points and incorporate sustainable technologies such as solar canopies. 3. Installation of the charge points Overseeing the installation process from beginning to end is a crucial part of the project which will be shared with other cities and countries. This part of the project will cover every aspect of a successful installation from the initial site surveys right through to the operation of the charge point and the ongoing maintenance on-site. 4. Network Operation Working with existing Network Operators including ESB in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and Ecotricity in the UK, this activity will cover the complete management of the network. Importantly this part of the project will investigate the challenges of working across country boundaries in this case between the UK and Ireland to develop a model that can be rolled out across other European networks. 5. The Study One of the key aims of the project is to undertake a detailed study analysis on the impact that such a network will have. The study work, undertaken by Newcastle University, will investigate areas such as changes in driving and charging behaviour; EV adoption in the areas surrounding rapid charge points as well as understanding the contribution that the network will have on reducing transport emissions. 6. Dissemination Sharing the knowledge gained from this project is critical to ensure that other towns, cities and countries across the EU can benefit and learn from the experience of the project. The project includes a range of activities to publicise the findings of this real world trial to support the further development of similar networks across Europe. 7. Project Management Keeping the project on-track is essential to ensure that it is delivered within time and on budget. The project management activity includes the coordination of all project planning and delivery activities, including managing the budget, resources, risks, schedule, procurement and governance processes, as well as reporting back to the European Commission, Consortium Partners and stakeholders at key milestones. Infrastructure developers Zero Carbon Futures will therefore support Nissan in its project lead role.

5 Proposed Rapid Charge Network point locations. EV owners in the UK and Ireland will be able to drive further, secure in the knowledge that they will never be far from a rapid charge point. ESCAPE THE CITY Helping EV drivers, drive further. The Rapid Charge Network will install 74 charge points. Establishing a large scale, interoperable network of electric vehicle rapid charging infrastructure across Europe will allow all electric vehicle drivers to move around with confidence and comfort. The network will be free to use throughout the project operating on existing networks including Ecotricity s Electric Highway in the UK and ESB ecars in Ireland. *all locations are subject to survey

6 SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE CHARGING NETWORKS ACROSS EUROPE A major part of the project is to support other towns, cities and countries across Europe to develop similar charging networks. The Rapid Charge Network project, therefore, will be actively sharing and exchanging information, best practice, recommendations and lessons learnt. Throughout the project, a full research study will be taking place to analyse the introduction, operation and consumer use of the 74 rapid charge points. This study and the subsequent strategy document will aim to inform the roll-out of innovative electric vehicle charging networks across European road networks and encourage the swift harmonization of rapid charge point standards suitable for the future. What will the study examine? Changes in the driving behaviour of EV drivers: This will include the analysis of energy use when driving, driving styles, range and routes along the Rapid Charge Network routes during and after the introduction of multi-standard EV rapid charging stations. Changes in charging patterns: This will determine whether the introduction of multi-standard EV rapid charging stations will influence EV drivers charging patterns. EV adoption in the area surrounding rapid charge points as a result of the network: This element of the study will examine EV sales before and during the network development along its routes. The impact that more electric vehicles can make to the decarbonisation agenda: This will see the analysis of tonnes of CO 2 emissions / km for both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. The study will analyse the contribution that the project has made to CO 2 reductions. The end result The end result will be a full strategy and business case which will outline the economic viability of the investment in and operation of the rapid charge network across other geographic areas as well as the environmental impact that such a network can have.

7 Baseline research undertaken by Newcastle University*, showed that the general public identified that four of the main barriers to electric vehicle uptake related directly to charging: Purchase price Limited driving range Time required to recharge Inconvenience of recharging Limited availability of charge points Lack of power / performance Unfamiliarity with the technology Lack of choice of makers / models Safety concerns about battery or electrical Extremely Important Important Four key barriers to electric adoption will be overcome by the Rapid Charge Network project. Limited driving range Time required to recharge Inconvenience of recharging Limited availability of charge points *Research from the SwitchEV trials in North East England.

8 MAKING THE RAPID CHARGE NETWORK HAPPEN October 2013 Project officially launched by European Union s TEN-T Programme April 2014 First Rapid Charge Network points installed ENERGISING PARTNERSHIPS The Rapid Charge Network project is the first of its kind, bringing together four major OEMs with the expertise of ESB, one of the largest electricity companies and sole operator of the distribution network in Ireland, and the support of Newcastle University and Zero Carbon Futures. Industry Partners August 2014 Driver research begins October % of Rapid Charge Network points installed Supporting Partners December 2014 All Rapid Charge Network points installed June 2015 Report and Strategy under development November 2015 Report and Strategy launched The Renault-Nissan Alliance forecasts that by 2020, 10% of all vehicles will be electric. This can only be achieved with the development of supporting charging networks.

9 FIND OUT MORE rapidchargenetwork.com The Rapid Charge Network project is co-financed by the European Union through the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme. Project Cost: 7,358,000 Percentage of EU support: 50% Maximum EU contribution: 3,679,000 Produced by the Rapid Charge Network project July 2014