EV Energy Taskforce outlines action to drive electric transition

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Energy Taskforce has identified the key priorities and activities to enable the electric vehicle revolution.

They will be implemented through four new themed working groups covering: Planning Energy & Transport; Consumer Experience; Smart Charging & Cyber Security; and Data Accessibility & Privacy.

The EV Energy Taskforce was established by ministers in 2018 and has, since its inception, engaged with more than 350 organisations from the energy, automotive and related sectors, many of them leading household names.

Its aim is to bring all the key organisations with a role to play in the electric vehicle transition together, to coordinate action and monitor progress against objectives. The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership convenes and facilitates the work of the Taskforce.

The EV Energy Taskforce, has published a new report – ‘Moving from Proposals to Actions’ – prepared by the Energy Systems Catapult with stakeholder support, identifying where urgent action needs to be taken from amongst the Taskforce’s original 21 proposals.

The priority actions will be taken forward by the four working groups. The highest priority items include supporting the delivery of a resilient charging infrastructure through implementing cyber security practices that go beyond the charge point. Ahnother aim is to enable smart charging by establishing minimum technical requirements for all smart charge points suitable for long duration charging.

Other priorities include giving consumers real control of their data through the development of a data access and privacy framework with Government and Ofgem; coordinating of industry’s consumer-facing information about EVs, smart charging products and services; and collating evidence to facilitate effective electricity network investment.   

Other measures include supporting the delivery of high-quality public charging by specifying UK-wide best practice for public charge point and associated infrastructure planning, and ensuring the latest evidence of consumer requirements is available and utilised in EV charging and infrastructure programmes.

In addition, the Taskforce will develop detailed requirements for more resource intensive activity.

Taskforce chair and Energy Systems Catapult Chief Executive, Philip New, says: “The original work of the EV Energy Task Force was the result of the engagement and support of a wide range of organisations from all parts of the EV charging ecosystem.

“I’m looking forward to helping strengthen these relationships as we work together on turning the proposals into action, so that UK drivers can benefit from a great charging experience, UK innovators can scale up great solutions, and our electricity system, which is leading the way in reducing emissions, remains resilient, reliable and great value for bill payers.”