Innovations in Energy and Technology

UK Charge Point Regulations: Key Implications for Operators

The UK government’s Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 represent a major transformation in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector. Designed to enhance user experience, these regulations also introduce a range of complex challenges and opportunities for Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

The new rules, specified by the Secretary of State, bring significant changes to the charging infrastructure landscape in the UK, with the key aims of improving the charging experience for EV drivers and promoting the adoption of e-mobility. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability and emission control, the mandate intends to ensure a smooth transition to a cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation system.

For CPOs, the new regulations signified more than just an adjustment in operational standards; they have effectively redefined the EV charging business model. This article examines the key mandates impacting both CPOs and charge point users.

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Solar Power Driving Electric Fleets

Solar power and electric vehicles (EVs) are intrinsically entwined to form a compelling association that will help shape the future of clean transportation in the UK. Harnessing and storing solar energy to power EVs represents a significant step toward carbon neutrality.

The Rise of EVs

The adoption of electric vehicles is snowballing across the UK, driven by concerns over global warming and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EVs’ market share will continue to expand as the country approaches the Government’s impending ban on new sales of fossil fuel vehicles.

This exponential growth in EV numbers will necessitate the charging infrastructure to keep abreast of rising charge point demand. If the current trend in new EV car sales continues, it’s reasonable to expect the electric car sector to flourish, which could, in turn, place additional strain on the National Grid. Assuming the UK is going to park combustion engines permanently and cut its carbon emissions, the generation of electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar, coupled with robust storage solutions, is crucial.

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Driving Green: Gas-Powered Fleets Transform Haulage

EU and UK regulations* stipulate a 15 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2025 and a 30 percent reduction by 2030. Given the current shortage of electric and hydrogen lorries, along with the associated infrastructure, could gas serve as a viable medium-term solution?

*Source: Legislation.gov.uk

Road haulage is currently dominated by diesel power and therefore a major source of CO2 emissions. Electric and hydrogen lorries would be the ideal solution, especially if the energy used to drive them is generated entirely from green sources. However, whilst the UK is advancing towards a more sustainable transportation sector, ?progress remains slow, ?highlighting the need for a more immediate solution. This is where Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) can rise to the occasion, offering a short to medium-term remedy to reduce polluting exhaust fumes.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3YCvUXK

Artificial Intelligence – Fuelling the Future of Health and Safety on the Forecourt

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers genuine solutions to help the forecourt retail sector prioritise health and safety compliance, ensuring operational resilience and sustained growth in an increasingly competitive market.

Safety protocol is paramount in any workplace, however, these policies and procedures hold a greater significance in the inherently risky forecourt sector, ?with a potentially dangerous mix of explosive vapours, liquids and airborne contaminants.

A robust health and safety strategy is established and maintained with clear, firm guidance from a strong leadership team and comprises all management, employees, suppliers, contractors and customers.

Petrol forecourts are no longer just places to refuel; they have evolved into dynamic hubs where convenience and consumer experience unite. With the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs), forecourt retail is undergoing a seismic transformation, introducing further operational challenges into the mix and making health and safety compliance more critical than ever.

The UK government requires employers to adhere to specified regulations and safety standards, however, taking responsibility for safety on site isn’t just the law, it is a moral obligation.

By harnessing the power of AI, forecourt owners can streamline health and safety processes, mitigate potential risks and simplify the complexities of compliance and reporting. This article examines the benefits and potential pitfalls of this incredible technology.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3UgTKWr

Payment Trends Transforming the Forecourt Sector

The payment services industry has experienced a seismic shift in recent years, due to the influx of new and emerging technologies.? Consumer demand is a significant driver of the digital payment experience that will change the face of energy retail forever.

The early 2000s saw a decline in cash usage on the forecourt,? this once common payment method started to lose popularity with the introduction of pay-at-the-pump technology and the increasing use of debit and credit cards.

In today’s fast-moving society, customers are demanding quick, effective and secure ways to buy fuel, goods and services at the forecourt. Time is of the essence to many busy shoppers, so long queues at the checkout and waiting for change are not an option.

Contactless payment technology triggered a significant rise in the use of debit and credit cards, which has continued to flourish since the transaction limit was increased to ￡100. Currently, cards are the preferred form of payment, however, alternative digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal, are gaining traction and are anticipated to become more widely recognised and adopted.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/40cIpe0

Electric vehicles (EVs): fact vs fiction

Concerns surrounding climate change and the government’s forthcoming ban on the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in 2035 have seen an exponential rise in the number of EVs on UK roads. However, despite their recent popularity, EVs remain under persistent scrutiny and attract an endless stream of conflicting and often misleading information.

Much of the confusion has been caused by a lack of general understanding of EV technology, compounded by the misguided prejudice of diehard ICE vehicle supporters, who are reluctant to accept transport electrification. In an attempt to unscramble the confusion and dispel some of these erroneous beliefs, this article examines the genuine concerns of today’s motorists and fleet operators, separating fact from fiction.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4dXFLfl

For more articles from TSG UK, visit the website: https://www.tsg-solutions.com/uk/news/