First EV sector group meeting focuses on charge infrastructure challenge

The first meeting of the Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) Electric Vehicle Group attracted over 70 individuals from leading EV manufacturing, grid management, and charging infrastructure companies.

This meeting was open to REA members and non-members alike.

Rather than a focus on attempting to develop the UK’s automotive manufacturing capacity, a role already taken by other trade groups, the work of the REA’s EV group will focus on developing an intelligent charge point infrastructure, building links with the energy storage industry, and driving forward innovations produced by the on-going electrification of transport such as Vehicle to Grid technology.

The first meeting featured a presentation by Natasha Robinson, head of the Office of Low Emission Vehicles, in addition to senior representatives of Nissan and National Grid.

The formation of the EV Group builds on REA expertise in renewable energy, energy storage, and energy markets.

Transport minister Jesse Norman MP said: "We are already making headway towards requiring that almost all cars and vans emit zero emissions by 2050, and we have invested more than £2 billion since 2011 to encourage greener transport initiatives.

“The number of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads is now at record levels, and we continue to invest in infrastructure for electric car charging and other clean vehicles.

“It is great to see the renewable energy sector engaging on this issue, and setting up a group to look at the issues and opportunities ahead for electric cars.”