The LowCVP will facilitate the Government’s new Electric Vehicle
Energy Taskforce which was announced as a part of the ‘Road to
Zero’ strategy in July. The anticipated growth in the use of
electric and plug-in vehicles over the coming years will create
challenges and exciting new opportunities for the rapidly
evolving UK electricity supply system.
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce will be discussed in more
detail at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit, convened at the
request of the Prime Minister, which takes place in Birmingham
today (11 Sept).
The Taskforce will, for the first time, bring together the energy
and automotive industries to plan for the changes that will take
place as a result of rising electric vehicle use. The Taskforce,
for which the LowCVP will provide secretariat functions, is
chaired by Phil New, Chief Executive of the Energy Systems
Catapult.
Plug-in electric vehicle use has been increasing sharply in the
last few years, albeit from a low base; representing over 4% of
new car sales for the latest month for which figures are
available (Aug 2018)[1] .
The Road to Zero strategy confirmed the Government’s commitment
for all new cars and vans to be zero emission vehicles by 2040.
The vast majority of these vehicles are expected to be fully or
partly electrified.
Meanwhile, the UK’s energy generation system is also rapidly
changing. In the short term, the rollout of smart meters and
electric vehicle charging infrastructure will offer opportunities
for the energy sector to work with consumers to level off
electricity demand. By 2050, the UK will be powered by low, or
zero, carbon electricity generation and, increasingly, by
distributed renewable sources. The intermittent nature of
renewable generation – providing surpluses at some times of day
and deficits at others – creates a need (and a significant
business opportunity) for new energy storage solutions. The
batteries in electric vehicles (as well as those in ‘second
life’) could provide a key missing link in the UK’s future energy
supply ‘mix’.
The objective of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce is to put
engaging the electric vehicle user at the heart of preparing the
electricity system for the mass take up of electric vehicles. It
aims to ensure that costs and emissions are as low as possible,
and opportunities for vehicles to provide grid services are
capitalised upon for the benefit of the system, energy bill
payers and electric vehicle owners.
Driven by the requirement to tackle climate change, the
transformation in mobility and energy production creates great
opportunities for innovators, holding out the prospect of
significant UK exports and growth as well as greater security of
energy supply.
MP, Electric Vehicles
Minister, said: “The UK is a world leader in the low
emission and electric vehicle industries, and initiatives like
the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce keep us at the forefront of
this technology revolution.
“Bringing together government, automotive and energy sectors will
help to ensure that Electric Vehicles become an integrated part
of the UK energy system, and infrastructure upgrades can be
planned in an efficient and sustainable way.”
LowCVP’s Managing Director, Andy
Eastlake said: “The Electric Vehicle Energy
Taskforce is a major initiative as we stand on the brink of dual
transformations in the ways we generate and supply electricity
and in the energy we use for transport.
“The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership will bring its considerable
experience and expertise in facilitating multi-stakeholder
agreements to help tackle this issue – one of the biggest
challenges and greatest industrial opportunities of our time.”
Phil New, Chief Executive of the Energy Systems
Catapult and Chair of the Electric Vehicle Energy
Taskforce said: “Ensuring the electricity system captures
the benefits from the rapid expansion of electric vehicles is a
critical challenge for both the transport and energy sectors.
“Working with industry, Energy Systems Catapult technical
expertise will help ensure the whole energy system – from
charging points to how we balance the grid – works to make life
straightforward for energy consumers and EV drivers.”
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce has already held a number
of meetings and has established an agreed work programme and five
initial work packages.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The launch members of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce are:
Automotive Council
BEAMA
Energy Systems Catapult
Energy Networks Association
Energy UK
ITS University of Leeds
Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)
National Grid
Ofgem
Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV)
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
TechUK
UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (UK EVSE)
