Why Aren't More Charging Stations Available for Electric Cars?
With the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars approaching, it’s no wonder that there has been a notable rise in the amount of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads.
When thinking about investing in an EV, a key factor to consider is the availability of charging stations. Take, for instance, a company with a fleet of cars that are constantly on the move during the week and require the convenience of having access to EV charging stations.
On February 5, 2024, the government’s Plan for Drivers introduced fresh measures to support electric vehicle drivers. The Department for Transport and Office for Zero Emission Vehicles disclosed these initiatives, which included grants for schools, funding for councils, and new proposals to help boost the number of EV charging points.
We delve into the factors that contribute to why there aren’t more charging stations available for electric cars.
High Initial Costs & Profitability
Collaborative action from governments, utilities, businesses, and investors is essential to tackle the significant upfront expenses associated with EV charging stations.
Building charging stations involves a substantial investment in infrastructure, such as electrical upgrades and the setup of charging equipment. Acquiring land or space for these stations, particularly in cities, can be costly and difficult.
The current number of EVs is still quite low, which has an impact on the return on investment. It’s a challenge to strike a balance between competitive fees and covering operational costs when it comes to revenue streams.
If there aren’t enough charging stations available, people may hesitate to buy an EV. On the other hand, with less demand, companies and local authorities may not be motivated to invest in the necessary charging infrastructure, resulting in an uneven rollout.
EV Technology
It is crucial for the widespread use of electric vehicles to have standardisation and technological progress. Different charging standards adopted by EV manufacturers can make it difficult to set up charging stations that are universally compatible. For example CHAdeMO is commonly used by Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles for fast-charging, while Tesla has its own unique charging network exclusively for Tesla vehicles.
Additionally, the fast-paced evolution of charging technology presents challenges for providers to keep up-to-date, leading to worries about the longevity and usefulness of the charging station.
Geographic & Logistical Factors
In crowded city centres, the expense of acquiring land or renting space for charging stations can be extremely difficult. This is especially evident in city centres and places with high demand. Urban regions frequently face space constraints, with different land uses competing for space, which makes it challenging to locate appropriate spots for charging stations. Limited parking spaces in urban settings can also pose challenges for setting up dedicated EV charging stations.
In rural and remote areas, electric vehicle (EV) ownership tends to be lower compared to urban places like London. The sparse population and longer distances between locations make it less economically feasible for businesses to invest in extensive charging infrastructure in these regions.
National Grid Challenges
Cities frequently face a surge in electricity needs, causing congestion in the power grid. Installing electric vehicle charging stations, especially fast chargers, can worsen this issue, requiring significant investments in grid upgrades and management. A number of urban grids are outdated and may struggle to handle a sudden rise in high-energy requirements without major improvements.
Rural areas frequently encounter difficulties with their electrical systems, which are typically not as strong as those in cities. The existing grid might not be ready to support the higher power needs of numerous fast chargers for electric cars, so significant improvements are needed to meet these new demands.
Some remote areas may even be far from the main power grid, meaning substantial investment to extend the grid or develop alternative power sources like wind or solar energy to support the charging stations.
Commercial EV Charging Solutions
At Cleaner Group we are dedicated to helping our clients minimise their carbon footprint, cut costs, and be part of the eco-friendly movement.
As a leading provider of commercial electric car charging stations, we offer high-quality services from design to installation and ongoing maintenance. If you want to learn more about how we can assist your business, please get in touch with us today.
