The text below is the transcript from the 'Project Charge accelerates the deployment of public charging infrastructure' video. An audio-described version of the video is also available.
Video Title: Project Charge accelerates the deployment of public charging infrastructure
We’re committed to speeding up the transition to cleaner electric transport, improving air quality and over time, driving down bills to deliver a better future, quicker for everyone.
We’re investing in smarter grids and future proofing our networks to meet the increasing demand for renewable electricity.
The UK Government has pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
To help meet this challenge, SP Energy Networks’ commitment to innovation is making a positive contribution through the ‘CHARGE’ project.
Well before the 2040 milestone, the cost of electric vehicles is expected to come down dramatically and as this happens, they will become an increasingly common sight in our cities, towns, and villages.
Whilst for many this transition will be a natural progression, for some - range anxiety and the availability of chargers will be a critical factor limiting their uptake.
CHARGE is a trailblazing initiative, running for an initial period of four years throughout Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire, and North Wales which aims to address these network pressure challenges.
It will, for the first time in Britain, merge transport and electricity network planning to create a ‘heat map’ of where EV charge points will be required and how they can be connected at the lowest cost to customers.
We will use information from transport planning software, mapping driver behaviour and journey routes, to help understand in more detail how the system copes with demand, more control points and new connection solutions.
Charge will help facilitate the installation of critical infrastructure, providing customers greater confidence to transition away from fossil fueled vehicles.
CHARGE will extend and deploy a number of targeted network trials aimed at bringing forward flexible connections for public charging equipment.
This includes both on-street and complex destination charging – such as terraced or tenement housing with limited on-street and no off-street parking.
A key priority for our stakeholders is understanding what impact Electric Vehicles will have on our network.
Project CHARGE will directly address and help develop cost-effective management and smart network solutions, helping the transition to electrified transportation and delivering a better future, quicker.