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techUK is joining the Steering Group of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce which was announced as part of the Government's 'Road to Zero' strategy in July.

techUK is pleased to announced that it has joined the Steering Group of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce. The purpose of this group is to bring together the energy and automotive industries to plan for the changes that will take place as a result of rising electric vehicle use. The Taskforce, for which the LowCVP will provide secretariat functions, is chaired by Phil New, Chief Executive of the Energy Systems Catapult and was announced today by the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling. It is part of a package of measures which were announced at today's Zero Emission Summit aimed at ensuring the UK is a world leader in this sector. 

Plug-in electric vehicle use has been increasing sharply in the last few years, albeit from a low base; representing over 4% of new car sales for the latest month for which figures are available (Aug 2018). The Road to Zero strategy confirmed the Government’s commitment for all new cars and vans to be zero emission vehicles by 2040. The vast majority of these vehicles are expected to be fully or partly electrified.

Meanwhile, the UK’s energy generation system is also rapidly changing. In the short term, the rollout of smart meters and electric vehicle charging infrastructure will offer opportunities for the energy sector to work with consumers to level off electricity demand. By 2050, the UK will be powered by low, or zero, carbon electricity generation and, increasingly, by distributed renewable sources. The intermittent nature of renewable generation – providing surpluses at some times of day and deficits at others – creates a need (and a significant business opportunity) for new energy storage solutions. The batteries in electric vehicles (as well as those in ‘second life’) could provide a key missing link in the UK’s future energy supply ‘mix’.

The objective of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce is to put engaging the electric vehicle user at the heart of preparing the electricity system for the mass take up of electric vehicles. It aims to ensure that costs and emissions are as low as possible, and opportunities for vehicles to provide grid services are capitalised upon for the benefit of the system, energy bill payers and electric vehicle owners.

techUK will be looking to engage members as we deliver inputs into the taskforce. We wil be publishing more information about the Taskforce's programme shorlty but if you would like to participate in this work then please contact Manar Al-Muflahi.