Trueform’s EV Charge Revolution

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained traction in the last few years, with numbers of new plug-in car registrations increasing from 3,500 in 2013 to more than 160,000 by July 2018. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) predicts that one in five cars on UK roads will be electric by 2020, which would amount to over two million plug-in cars. As of July 2018, there are a reported 5,963 infrastructure locations, with a total 10,031 charging devices installed across these locations. Currently, there are 75 different models of electric vehicles available in the UK, and already more than 160,000 registered EVs driving on the UK roads.

Trueform are proud to be able to offer our expertise in design, fabrication and installation in the development of EV Charging Hub furniture and infrastructure. We work in collaboration with the EV charging and Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) industries, as well as charging suppliers, architects, scheme designers, main contractors, cities, government & local authorities, to provide ultra-low and zero emission EV charging solutions. We are able to deliver the necessary infrastructure to provide elemental protection and comfort whilst vehicles are charging, such as canopies and shelters, seating, docking stations and signage.

We are part of several organisations focused on developing the electrical vehicle industry and accelerating the shift to lower carbon vehicles and fuels, including UK EVSE, LowCVP and EVA Scotland.  As the Trade Association for the UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment sector, UK EVSE covers the supply of both electric vehicle charge points and the management systems that control recharging through e-mobility membership and payment services. LowCVP is a public-private partnership established in 2003 to focus on sustainably creating lower carbon vehicles and fuels.

Nearly 200 organisations are engaged in the LowCVP, and we are proud to be one of them. Electrical Vehicle Association Scotland works to represent the interests of EV users in Scotland while continuing to promote the benefits of EV use in Scotland.

We work with these organisations in order to support the development of a national network of charge-point infrastructures that meet the operational needs of electric vehicle drivers as the industry becomes more widespread. This allows us to contribute to the work already being done within the motor industry, aiding the process of introducing new electric vehicles, including; taxis, commercial vans and buses to the UK market.

We are able to provide bus operators and local authorities looking to adopt electric as opposed to hybrid vehicles with in-service vehicle charging enhancements built around and utilising overhead gantry pantograph apparatus.  These structures could be utilised for passenger amenities such as Bus stop signage and display, WiFi and USB Charging, whilst physically supporting a shelter Canopy with lighting, seating and screens creating a more inviting passenger focused facility avoiding duplication and unnecessary furniture clutter.

The push towards an increase of electric cars on the UK’s roads follows  the launch of the DfT ‘Road to Zero Strategy’ in July 2018, in which the UK government laid out their intentions to have at least 50% – and as many as 70% – of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030, alongside 40% of new vans. They also plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040, promoting cleaner air. However, hybrid vehicle will be exempt from the ban.

The current public network is unsuitable for encouraging the next wave of EV customers as rapid charge points are essential for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) on long journeys, but are irrelevant for Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) which presently account for 63% of the existing vehicle market.

According to a recent survey of 10,293 drivers by the AA, 85% of people believe there to be a lack of public charging points for EVs, and this is why we are working with the above organisations to improve the current situation We want to make the public as aware as possible about the developments and improvements being made in the EV charging industry, including the increase of charging stations across the nation.

The proportion of UK EV owners with the ability to charge at home now stands at 80% (Zap-Map, 2016) this is the cheapest and most convenient way to recharge any EV.  However, people do not always have access to off-street parking; outside London, 35% of households have no access to off-street parking, but in Greater London this rises to 63% (TfL, 2012). The ability to charge an EV in cities, particularly London, is essential as a significant contribution towards addressing urban area air quality issues.

With the ever increasing dependancy on a gig based economy vehicle owner drivers will require on-street/ public parking and charging facilities to enable cities to meet air quality targets.  Most Shared Car scheme providers in the UK and have plans to replace and expand their existing fleets requiring roadside Rapid Charging facilities.  Fundamentally our relationship with cars is and will change with car ownership continuing to fall we are looking towards multimodal solutions including access to shared cars as and when we need them.

At Trueform, we offer a range of transport infrastructures such as waiting areas and shelters, which protect customers from the elements, screens, signage, and seating options. We use a wide range of materials, such as stainless and galvanised steels, aluminium, glass-reinforced concrete and plastic composites, timber, stones and granites, all to engineering-grade standards. We can also provide a range of finishes, including anti-graffiti, galvanising and anodising finishes, to name a few. For more information, please read our brochure on EV Charge and CAV structures.

The immediate future of CAV will predominately appeal to limited access estates, such as; University Campuses, Leisure Parks & Resorts, National Parks, Technology Parks, Hospitals and Airports.  However, whilst significant effort has been placed in the design and development of vehicles and supporting systems little work has been undertaken in the provision of passenger amenities particularly to ensure they remain accessible for all.  This could be addressed with the introduction of raised platforms, with possible automatic Gates or Pedestrian Doors with enclosed waiting rooms for larger interchange stations and shelters for intermediate stops to manage passenger movements and reduce dwells times.

Not only can we provide durable and reliable structures, Trueform can offer a range of additional features to further enhance the EV charging experience. From CCTV and digital advertising displays to rainwater management and heating & air conditioning systems, Trueform aim to deliver the optimum transport furniture for the EV industry.

If you wish to discuss your requirements further, contact us today and a member of our expert team will be happy to assist you.