Electric vehicles: mitigating risk

Transcription

1 Electric vehicles: mitigating risk BRE AiS workshop 25 June 2012 Carolyn White Director IET Standards Limited

2 Overview What are the risks from electric vehicles? How can EV risk be minimised? IET Code of Practice recommendations BRE accreditation and certification scheme Gateshead electrical installer training Communicating EV electrical safety to the public Warranties offered at point of sale and installation Renewal of car and building insurance policies

3 WHATARE THE RISKS FROM ELECTRIC VEHICLES?

4 Key risk areas 1. Home insurance Charging using a 13A plug could overload plug and cable leading to electrical fire Wrongly-installed EV charging equipment could cause electrical fires 2. Personal injury Fault in electrical supply to building could make car live whilst on charge Death or injury caused by ignoring advice on use of adapters and extension leads Potential risk to pedestrians due to low car noise Trip hazards to car users and other pedestrians from charging leads

5 Key risk areas 3. Accident and breakdown Additional risks to emergency services of car remaining live after impact Recovery claims arising from not being able to recharge when away from home 4. Car insurance Premiums usually based on driver age, location of car and proposed use EV insurance could include proposed charging locations and type of connector EVs demand specific driving style to conserve battery life premiums could recognise this as it usually means safer driving Type of battery there are known risks of Lithium-ion batteries exploding

6 Example: EV fire on a ferry This accident was caused through using an extension lead to charge an EV on the wet deck of a car ferry in Oslo. Note that battery fires cannot be extinguished they have to be left to burn out by themselves.

7 Some stats Electric vehicles will account for up to 15% of car sales by 2020 UK and France consensus = 14% Source Arup March 2012 UK predicted to have 390,000 charging points by 2017 Source Fleet News February 2012 Government wants majority of recharging to take place either at home or at place of work

8 HOW CAN EV RISK BE MINIMISED?

9 IET Code of Practice

10 Who is the Code of Practice aimed at? Installers competent electricians Part P registration may not be sufficient Procurers specifying EV installation work Design engineers manufacturing EV charging equipment and vehicles Electricity supply companies

11 Code of Practice committee

12 Endorsed by government and industry Provides definitive guidance on safe electrical best practice Enables confident procurement and compliance for insurers Transport Minister Norman Baker: This is an excellent example of industry and Government working together to develop safe and practical solutions for plug-in vehicle recharging. This Code of Practice represents a real step forward in easing the path for consumers to make the switch to ultra-low emission vehicles. Paul Everitt SMMT Chief Executive: Electric vehicles can offer a practical and affordable ultra-low carbon driving option for many motorists and this new Code of Practice will ensure vehicle charging remains hassle-free and safe across the UK.

13 Enables compliance with Wiring Regulations IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2008(2011) does not specifically cover installing EV charging equipment IET Code of Practice is fully compliant with Wiring Regulations and IET Technical Regulations team approved text References all relevant European and international standards

14 Checklists and assessment forms

15 Accreditation and certification scheme Industry accreditation scheme in partnership with BRE Global Received favourably by manufacturers 14 May Installers can be certified to one manufacturer s equipment or to several Scheme will generate central database of certified installers

16 Outline of BRE scheme

17 Electrical training EV installer training courses based on Code of Practice piloted May & June at Gateshead College Courses cover practical and theoretical electrical knowledge including use of risk assessment forms Detailed guidance provided on pre- and post-installation paperwork Different modules for residential, public and commercial installation work To be supported by City & Guilds exam

18 Summary CoP/scheme/training 1. IET Code of Practice Provides technical basis for scheme 2. Application criteria Sets expectations 3. Training course and exam Provides technical background Requirements of schemes Terms and conditions for granting and maintenance of certification 4. Assessment Confirms competence 5. Surveillance Ongoing compliance Up to date CPD

19 COMMUNICATING EV ELECTRICAL SAFETY TO THE PUBLIC

20 Customers need Clear advice from car retailers on what to do: simple glove box advice on charging best practice should be provided with every car On-site assessment from certified installer: all customer installations are different and assessment needs to be part of sales package Easy to understand warranties from installers and suppliers covering breakdown, repair and maintenance of charging equipment Clear requirements to cover EVs in standard consumer and commercial insurance policies

21