Experiencing Difficulties in Charging an Electric Vehicle: Ray Massey's Perspective
A Real-Life Electric Car Journey: The Good, The Bad, and the Infrastructure
Dipping my toes into the electric vehicle (EV) world, I recently embarked on a 200-mile round trip. My objective wasn't just to test this mode of transportation, but to evaluate its feasibility as a primary choice for personal transport, following UK energy minister Ed Miliband's suggestion.
My destination was an annual event hosted by the Guild of Motoring Writers at Castle Combe racetrack in Wiltshire. Among the exciting activities was an afternoon tea and scones at Nick Mason (Pink Floyd drummer and Guild chairman)‘s home.
Faced with two vehicles in my driveway, I made a bold decision: to travel in the all-electric SUV with a claimed range of over 260 miles, although it was only 80% charged and displayed an estimated range under 200 miles on its dashboard. The petrol hybrid with a full tank and a range of over 500 miles seemed the safer bet, but I was keen to see how EV charging would fare on a long journey.
Frustration Galore
The event was a resounding success, but navigating back home with a depleting battery became quite an ordeal. The first two charging locations I was directed to—a former garage and a supermarket car park—never materialized. Alas, these Ghost Chargers were not to be found.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Bath, my GPS directed me to the Bailbrook House Hotel, where a single BP Pulse charger awaited. As a guest user, it demanded a £49 upfront 'credit reservation' from my card. After two unsuccessful attempts on different helplines, I finally reached a technical support person, who assured me the excess amount would be refunded.
The charging session cost me £32.90 for an hour, which, compared to the 25p rate on my home charger, felt quite steep. Before departing, I encountered another EV driver, Stefan, who faced an equally lengthy and nerve-wracking process as he sought to charge his vehicle.
Unfortunately, sleepless nights awaited him too, as he and his family settled for dinner in Bath after unsuccessful charging attempts and had to find alternative charging stations elsewhere.
Improving the Charging Infrastructure
This woeful tale does not indict EVs but rather calls for improved charging infrastructure. As the UK government insists on transitioning to EVs, it becomes crucial to address the bottlenecks in the charging network. Presently, it seems we are belated pioneers, driving in the dark without fully understanding the path ahead.
To enhance the EV driving experience and prepare for future widespread adoption, the government and private stakeholders should prioritize the following measures:
1. Expansion and Accessibility of Charging Points - Invest in ultra-fast chargers along major highways and key travel routes; - Increase the number of on-street and public charging networks; - Develop charging hubs in convenient locations like rest stops, service stations, and travel hubs.
2. Integration of Smart Technologies - Implement smart grid technology for efficient energy use; - Optimize network loads and manage peak demand, especially during high travel periods.
3. Funding and Strategic Planning - Secure public and private investment; - Agree on long-term contracts and maintenance plans; - Establish dedicated operational teams to manage charging infrastructure more effectively.
4. Supporting Drivers Without Off-Street Parking - Develop nearby on-street charging options for those without private parking.
By focusing on these areas, the UK can create a more user-friendly and reliable charging infrastructure that encourages widespread adoption of EVs and alleviates concerns about long-distance travel in electric vehicles.
On the Horizon
As infrastructure improves, our electric journey will no longer feel as treacherous, and Lexus HS, BMW, and Volvo EX90 might become more than distant dreams floating in the night sky. Instead, they will be the illuminated beacons guiding us safely through the darkness and into a new dawn of sustainable transportation.
Source: [1] gov.uk (2021, October). Government supports reliable, accessible, and affordable charging for electric vehicles. Link
Source: [2] greentechexplained.co.uk (n.d.). What is a smart grid and how does it work? Link
Source: [3] sellingmycar.com (n.d.). Why motor trade buyers want your used Lexus HS. Link
Source: [4] bmw.co.uk (2021, May). BMW iX models arrive in UK showrooms. Link
Source: [5] transportforlondon.gov.uk (2019, December). Housing and EV charging: Eight things every local planning authority should consider. Link
- Despite the challenges faced during my electric car journey, I remain hopeful that with improved credit card systems, future drivers can securely reserve and pay for charging services without difficulties.
- As the finance industry invests more in electric-vehicle (EV) infrastructure, insurance providers should also consider offering policies that cover unexpected EV-related incidents, such as charging network malfunctions and stranded vehicles.
- Ratcliffe's recent switch to an EV has sparked discussions within the transportation industry about the role of lifestyle choices in promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
- To fully embrace the EV revolution, governments and private organizations must work together to ensure that electric cars become an accessible and affordable option for people across all income levels.
- The transportation sector should also explore partnerships with retail establishments to offer customers EV charging incentives, such as discounts on purchases or services, as a means of encouraging EV usage and building a customer-centric infrastructure.
- In addition to the measures outlined, it is essential to collaborate with car manufacturers like Lexus, BMW, and Volvo to develop advanced electric vehicles that increase range, reduce charging times, and accommodate the lifestyle needs of diverse groups of consumers.
