World EV Day
September 29 is World EV Day, a day to celebrate new mobility, and support the transition to sustainable transport solutions.
At Arcadis we’re proud of our contribution to supporting emission-free mobility. We’re working together with our clients across industry and government to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), making them more accessible for people around the world.
From guiding or implementing government and corporate policy, designing and delivering complex gigafactories to create the battery technologies, supporting planning, funding and design of charging and energy infrastructure, to decarbonizing the energy supply - ensuring the power that’s charging the batteries is as green as the cars themselves.
We asked some of our Arcadis experts from across the world to share their insights on the transition to EVs. Here’s what they had to say:
Companies need to start performing feasibility studies, conducting gap analysis, and developing master plans to establish a roadmap to transition to EV fleets based on a range of constraints. EVs are here to stay, and the sooner companies start thinking about transitioning to EV fleets, the sooner they will start reaping benefits – not just to their bottom line but for society as a whole.
A baseline assessment of vehicle use, an energy and route assessment combined with an EV load impact analysis on the power grid can facilitate the transition to EVs for any public or private company. These assessments will ensure the EV range is suitable to their existing operating environment and determine the necessary upgrades to the infrastructure and charging strategy.
It’s clear that the demand for EVs is increasing all the time, and the global supply chain challenges has bought the UK Government time before this demand hits the streets. To make the most of this time, they should be looking to bolster the EVCP network, specifically focusing on areas of high demand that are being used already, but remaining focussed on enabling the right type of charge point for the right location and purpose.
The UK’s public fast charging infrastructure is still lagging behind and beginning to detract from longer journeys due to people having to wait for available chargers. At every motorway service area in UK there is at least one charger, but it can only charge one vehicle at a time. Recently a small number of service areas have significantly increased their charging structure to up to 12 chargers that are higher power to charge cars much faster.
We’re seeing companies like FastNed and Ionity increasingly provide reliable 300kW charging facilities across the Netherlands and Europe. There are still huge opportunities to expand these networks and for others to follow suit. Governments can support and accelerate this network expansion by growing the grid capacity and being flexible and supportive in permitting.
Companies should first make investments in charging infrastructure near their offices and stimulate EV-driving. And, supplement this with changes in the company (lease)car policy to EV only. Policy decisions and investments in infrastructure need to go hand-in-hand to really drive adoption. My experience is that people, who are used to drive electrical are very enthusiastic about it.
There have been so many positive advancements in EV technology in the past few years, particularly in clean energy alternatives that build on our energy transition ambitions. Arcadis has been bringing these innovations into the work we do with utility clients across design and construction stages of EV charging stations. I’m extremely excited about our future as we continue to grow and build our EV charging networks.
In Australia, to really move the needle to EV readiness we will require more regulation to support EVs, a timeframe for banning petrol/diesel vehicles and a stronger net zero carbon declaration. Much stronger regulation on emission quality would also assist.
In the US where the vehicle mileages travelled are often much greater than in Europe, there is currently a lack of cost competitive fit for purpose EVs, particularly in the light truck and medium to heavy vehicles classes. As more vehicles come to market, fleet managers must plan ahead and prepare their facilities to accommodate EV fleets.
The most important consideration for EV transition is government leadership and incentives. There is greater investment, supply and choice of vehicles in those countries where the governments have been more proactive and grants are available to pay for the increasing cost of power upgrades and public infrastructure.
Many companies we speak to are not ready for the transition and their main concern is range and the ability to charge their fleet. Companies have never had to really think about vehicle range or when and where they fuel, and this will be the biggest mindset change. This has created a level of anxiety which we are supporting our clients with, simplifying this challenge for them.
Interested in our EV capabilities
We’re helping organizations and governments across the globe prepare for the future of mobility. Connect with one of our experts to find out how we can work together.
