Road to net zero On stand by Parking spaces with electric vehicle chargepoints will be pivotal in reaching net zero, but caution is needed, says Mark Dickens, managing director of Mobilize Power Solutions he governments net-zero strategy relies heavily on the mass adoption of electric transport. Despite an increase in the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), there are still many who feel range anxiety, and the inability to charge at destination points or close to home prevents them from buying into the electric dream. There are around 20,000 public car parks in the UK, run by private companies or councils. Many of these are located in busy destination hubs, such as shopping and town centres. However, according to the Energy Trust, only a minority of parking bays are dedicated to charging. Optimising these empty spaces with charging facilities would bring a number of benefits, as well as helping with the drive to net zero. Offering residents overnight parking and charging, for example, would enable drivers to charge in a regulated space and take parked traffic off the streets, making it a better environment for the locals. Whats more, taking advantage of dead space will mean additional revenue. Installation cost is a big factor. However, under a new pilot scheme the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund councils can bid for a share of a 10m pot to boost public EV charging facilities in their regions. T Planning ahead Despite the good news that the government is investing in public EV charging infrastructure, care has to be taken. Its important to understand the investment required to support new vehicle technologies in the future and avoid mistakes down the line. Energy capacity has to be forecast and it is imperative that units are maintained to an optimum service level. This includes sending out correct reporting data so organisations can monitor consumption and costs, and measure how and when they are being used, to aid future planning. Without standards and regulations, it is a minefield to make charging simple and effective for EV drivers. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says authorities should be given guidance on ways to highlight those parking spots dedicated to EVs, and how they should be used. Despite the acknowledgement that there needs to be more guidance, however, the government refuses to be more prescriptive. This could lead to installations that are not suitable for the long term. Its up to us, as industry experts, to educate car park managers and demonstrate the benefits that support their operational agendas, as well as their communities. Working together with one objective to achieve net zero now and in the future will ensure the sector plays its part in reducing emissions. Its important to understand the investment required to support new vehicle technologies in the future and avoid mistakes down the line 28 britishparking.co.uk PN May 2022 pp28-29 Renault.indd 28 21/04/2022 11:28