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Motorway service stations could be forced to end exclusive arrangements with charge point operators under new rules being considered by the Government.

Currently, the majority of motorway service areas in England have an exclusive provider of open access charge point services, which poses a potential risk when awarding cash from a new £950 million Rapid Charging Fund.

The fund aims to future-proof electrical capacity at motorway and major A road service areas to support the phase-out of petrol and diesel cars and vans.

Available in England-only as the provision of transport infrastructure is devolved, it will support the cost of providing additional or upgraded electrical connections at motorway and major A road service areas.

The fund will be administered by a delivery body which will: accept funding applications from motorway and major A road service areas; examine the applications to ensure the requested connection size is based on robust estimates of expected demand from a 100% zero emission vehicle fleet; and potentially act as the owner of the new/upgraded connection, leasing capacity to applicants.

However, with motorway service areas in England operating exclusive arrangements with charge point providers, ministers are concerned this could lead to any funding being challenged on state subsidy or other grounds.

The Competition and Markets Authority completed a study of the EV charging market in July 2021 and decided to open an investigation into these existing agreements at three of the major motorway service operators under the Competition Act 1998. It has yet to publish its findings.

In a zero-emission vehicle consultation, one of five on transport regulatory reform launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) yesterday (Tuesday, September 29), the Government says it is considering taking new powers to make the exclusive elements of existing charge point service arrangements void and unenforceable.

To ensure long-term competition is maintained at these sites, it says it is considering requiring service area operators and large fuel retailers to tender charge point service contracts openly and have a minimum of two – and at some sites more than two – different charge point operators at any particular site.

It says that the effect of this will be create more competition between charge point service providers at these sites for the benefit of consumers, and to reduce the legal risk to the fund.

It added: “We are considering requiring existing providers of charge point services at motorway service areas to make their charge points open access rather than only open to an exclusive network or group of networks or manufacturers.

“This would also extend to existing agreements for such services, which would be rendered void and unenforceable if the network were not to be opened.”

Furthermore, to ensure there is sufficient charge point availability at these strategically important sites on the network, it says it is considering further extending its powers to mandate that service area operators and large fuel retailers must meet minimum charge point numbers at specific sites, and at increasing levels over a period of time.

The Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) in its consultation ‘Future of transport regulatory review: zero emission vehicles’ is seeking views on new primary legislation that would give the Government powers to introduce requirements in four areas, including new powers to support the delivery of the Rapid Charging Fund.

The other three are examining the introduction of a statutory obligation for local authorities to plan for and provide charging infrastructure, requirements to install charge points in non-residential car parks and requirements to improve the experience for EV consumers.

Future of Transport consultations

With radical changes in transport expected over the next decade, the Government says it is making sure the right framework is in place to drive innovation, keep people safe and harness the benefits of new technologies right across the country.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is a hugely exciting time for transport in the UK.

“On our roads EVs are set to become the norm within the decade, on our seas autonomous and remotely operated vessels will increase efficiency and improve safety, and in our skies drones and novel aircraft will transform the way people and goods move around.

“Supporting these innovations will not only ensure high standards for consumers but also create a research-friendly environment so we can continue being world leaders in transport.

“We will create a safer, greener transport system that attracts investment and supports skilled jobs across the country.”

Alongside zero emission vehicles, consultations have been launched into modernising vehicle standards, maritime autonomy and remote operations, the future of flight and regulatory sandboxes – a defined space where new business models, technologies and policies can be deployed and used in a way that is safe and responsible.

On vehicle standards, the consultation says the Government wants to implement improved environmental standards and enforcement to better meet current and future challenges, particularly around self-driving vehicles.

It is proposing four areas where it wants to make changes, with the consultation seeking views on: providing a modern framework for tomorrow’s vehicles – regulating safety, security and environmental performance; establishing a flexible, proportionate, and responsive approach to regulating safety, security and environmental performance of vehicles; tackling tampering; and improving compliance, safety and security.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

A preference for flexible working could make the rush hour a thing of the past, research by Wagonex has found.

The vehicle subscription specialist says the changes, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, may mean traffic congestion on roads and passenger surges on rail and bus services happening unexpectedly at different times of the day and on different times of the week.

Traditionally, rush hours have been between 6am and 9am, and 4pm to 6.30pm.

Tony Kernon, founder and CEO of Wagonex, said: “There are huge benefits to hybrid working.

“Individuals will be able to achieve a better work/life balance and businesses will have happier, more productive staff.

“With fewer people traveling to offices there could also be an environmental benefit and improvements in air quality.

“But one big downside is that life could well become even tougher for commuters.

“If employees can choose on which days they go to the office and have more flexibility in their working hours, it will become incredibly difficult to predict when and where travel peaks will occur.

“Commuters who drive to work may find they breeze into the office one day and then are stuck in tailbacks the next and those using public transport may be alone in carriages and on buses one day and packed in like sardines the next.”

Conducted by Yonder, the Wagonex survey polled 1,000 working age people and found:

• Close to two-fifths (37%) of respondents expect to work or study remotely more often in the future compared to before the pandemic.
• Younger respondents aged 18-24 (56%) and 25-34 (45%) are significantly more likely than the older age groups to expect to do so (35-44s 29%; 45-54s 32%; 55-64s 17%).
• The wealthier ABs (52%) and C1s (42%) are notably more likely to expect to work or study remotely more in the future compared to C2s (24%) and DEs (19%).
• Respondents that work in the public sector (52%) are significantly more likely than those working in the private sector (38%) to prefer working/studying remotely more in the future.
• Half of respondents (50%) expect to commute to and from work or their place of study primarily using their car.

This last point is supported by recent research from used car marketplace Heycar, which found 47% of commuters will travel to and from their office by car.

Dan Powell, senior editor at Heycar, said: “After so many months of lockdowns and social distancing, it’s understandable that one-in-two are uncomfortable with the prospect of being jammed into a train carriage or standing on a packed bus with dozens of strangers.

“As a result, our cars have taken on even more importance as a comfortable and reliable way to travel to work in a post-pandemic world.” By Graham Hill Thanks To Fleet News

Tesco is the UK’s best supermarket for electric car charge points a study by Electrifying.com has found.

The reasearch, which excluded ‘express’ or ‘local’ stores, found the retail giant has charge points at 45% of its stores, closely followed by Morrisons (40%).

Nearly one-in-five (19.7%) Asda stores have at least one place to plug in, Lidl 15%, Aldi 10%, while Sainsbury’s trails its rivals at 7.2%.

Ginny Buckley, founder of Electrifying.com, said: “We expected more supermarkets to be doing better, but it’s still great to see how some of them have recognised that offering shoppers reliable car charging is not only good for business but will also help give the nation confidence to make the switch.

“Providing charging infrastructure at convenient locations is crucial to encourage drivers to go electric sooner, particularly the significant number that don’t have access to off-street parking.”

Many supermarkets have entered partnerships with charge point suppliers to increase their offering.

In December 2018, Volkswagen announced it had partnered with Tesco and Pod Point to install around 2,400 charging points for electric cars.

In April this year, the partnership provided its 500,000th free top-up – the equivalent of three million kWh of electricity.

Louise Goodland, head of retail partnerships at Tesco, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the best supermarket for EV drivers in the UK.

“So far we’ve delivered more than 23 million miles worth of free, green charges and we’re continuing to roll out EV chargers to 600 Tesco stores across the UK.”

In October 2019, Morrisons unveiled its first 50 GeniePoint rapid charging points at its stores nationwide, with a further 50 planned last year.

A partnership between Pod Point and Lidl GB to install 350 rapid chargers by 2022 reached the 100th rapid charger milestone in February.

Lidl GB said “We are proud to offer rapid charging points for EVs at 130 of our stores.

“By 2022, we aim to have more than 350 stores with rapid charging points.”

Waitrose is set to extend its partnership with Shell and roll-out 800 new charge points in 100 Waitrose locations by 2025.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman added: “We have ambitious plans for our next generation of charging points. We want to offer charging points in more places and create a better customer experience.”

			2. average number of CPs per store	3. total stores (excluding express)	4. number of stores with at least one CP	5. total CPs across all supermarket stores
		1. percentage of stores with at least one CP (%)
1	Tesco	45.05	1.87	888	400	1660
2	Morrisons	40.04	0.46	497	199	230
3	Asda	19.71	0.37	614	121	225
4	Lidl	15	0.15	860	129	130
5	Aldi	10	0.2	900	90	180
6	Sainsbury’s	7.17	0.18	600	43	106
–	Waitrose	–	–	358	–
–	Booths	–	1.93	27	–	52
–	Iceland	–	–	900	–	–
–	Co-op	–	–	2600	–	–
–	M&S	–	–	959	–	–

South East sees 42% increase in charge points

Research by UK Power Networks has found the number of EV charge points added to the network in London, the East and South East has increased by nearly 2,700 in the past 12 months.

There are now over 9,000 charge points in London, the East and South East, served by UK Power Networks.

Shira Lappin, innovation project lead at UK Power Networks, said: “It’s important that we work with local and central government, charge point operators, customers and other stakeholders to ensure that the transition to Net Zero is a seamless one and everyone has access to the charging infrastructure they need.

“In the 12-month period between April 2020 and April this year, the number of charge points in our areas grew by 42%. However, there’s still a lot of work to do to meet the growing demand for EVs and charge points, and we’ll continue to be at the forefront of innovation to get there.” By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

This article applies to fleet users but it has raised some interesting points that you may wish to address if you are a consumer driving your first electric car and want to make sure that you are covered for all eventualities. I’ve underlined those items that need special attention when taking out your insurance. Also, training may be useful in order to maximise the benefits of having an EV.

Allianz Insurance has enhanced its Motor Fleet (15 or more vehicles) and Small Fleet (4-14 vehicles) products to provide cover for electric vehicles as well as a wide range of services to support fleet electrification.

The specialist EV cover includes third-party liability during charging, as well as damage cover for cables, connectors and electric wallboxes located at the insured’s premises or an employee’s home.

Allianz has also future-proofed its wording and clarified some existing cover and limits in regard to vehicle automation and connectivity.

Gerry Ross, head of commercial motor, Allianz Insurance said: “These are really exciting times for us as we continuously challenge ourselves to bring the latest solutions to our customers. We constantly review our motor proposition to ensure we remain at the forefront of the market, meeting and anticipating broker and customer needs.

“The inclusion of EV cover reflects the evolving priorities of our customers and the option to use green parts demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. Our expert underwriters, local branch network and excellent claims teams are committed to delivering a comprehensive offering that reflects the challenges and opportunities modern fleets are facing.”

The new proposition is supported by Allianz’s risk management partners DriveTech and Lightfoot. DriveTech provides driver training, including an appreciation of regenerative braking, charging and EV safety. Lightfoot, meanwhile, uses connected technology to deliver real-time driver coaching, with a smartphone app offering drivers rewards and prizes.

This can help to reduce fuel consumption and improve the battery range of electric vehicles, while also reducing CO2 emissions. Both partners also provide risk management services that are valuable to drivers and fleet managers alike.

As part of its sustainability commitments, Allianz will also look to use green parts wherever possible on non-safety critical items (with the insured’s permission) when repairing fleet vehicles. With more fleet customers receptive to choosing environmentally sustainable solutions, green parts can make a positive and practical environmental impact.

Recognising that many commercial motor customers will want to continue to support people in their local communities, cover that was provided for volunteering during lockdown will continue, either for the NHS or the distribution of food aid from a recognised Trust or Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) charity. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Ford and a UK Government-funded consortium have developed technology to predict traffic incident locations based on data from connected vehicles, roadside sensors and accident reports. 

The new ‘RoadSafe’ technology uses a smart algorithm to crunch anonymised data from sources including connected vehicles, roadside sensors and accident reports to pinpoint where there is a higher chance of traffic incidents occurring.

This information can then be displayed on a map that identifies the level of risk and could also be used to warn drivers of hotspots.

Jon Scott, City Insights project lead for Ford Mobility Europe, explained: “There are areas in every city where the chance of an incident is higher, whether it’s due to a poorly placed sign, an unrepaired pothole or junctions built to accommodate far less traffic than we have today.

“Ford can pinpoint the areas of concern, so drivers could be made more aware of them and authorities can address them.”

RoadSafe is the culmination of four years of research by Ford, including most recently a 20-month Government-funded project conducted together with Oxfordshire County Council, Loughborough University and AI sensor specialists Vivacity Labs, with support from Transport for London (TfL) and backing from Innovate UK.

Road safety hotspots identified

The research began with an analysis of Greater London to highlight road safety hotspots and to identify the potential causes and safety mitigations.

In the past 15 months, the research expanded to Oxfordshire, with more than 200 passenger and commercial vehicles voluntarily connected in London and Oxfordshire.

The data enabled the team to develop a ‘Road Segment Risk Rating Heat Map’, which identifies stretches of road that are of particular concern.

It includes various layers of data, including historic accident data and a ‘Risk Prediction’ rating algorithm for each road segment based on a range of data inputs, calculated using advanced data analytics techniques.

The Road Segment Risk Prediction rating uses colours to show where incidents are more likely to happen, with red having the highest risk level and yellow the lowest. 

To gather the data, the connected vehicles record driving events, including braking, steering and accelerating, while Vivacity’s road-side sensors track the movements of different modes of transport.

The sensors employ machine-learning algorithms to detect near-miss incidents and analyse movement patterns of vulnerable road-users such as cyclists and pedestrians, as well as non-connected vehicles.

All data shared by the sensors is anonymised with video feeds discarded at source, enabling safer roads without intruding on privacy.

Combining vehicle and sensor data can help identify a wide variety of hazards such as places where vehicles pass too close to cyclists; a poorly located bus stop causing traffic to become congested; and badly designed infrastructure such as a roundabouts and junctions causing confusion and near-misses. 

For businesses and fleets, the RoadSafe algorithm could be used to optimise driver routing to detour away from particular problem areas, or warn drivers when they are in riskier areas, reducing potential down time resulting from incidents, says Ford.

In the future, such technology could also benefit passengers riding in autonomous vehicles. Combining the on-board sensors of the vehicle with a digital tool could help them anticipate hazardous situations even earlier and therefore adapt their operation accordingly  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Michelin has launched its all-season tyre, the new Michelin CrossClimate 2.

The CrossClimate 2 builds on the success of the CrossClimate+, Michelin said, and combines the benefits of a summer tyre in terms of wet and dry braking performance, with the traction and braking benefits of a winter tyre in terms of wet weather grip and driving on snow or in low temperature conditions, it said.

Scott Clark, executive vice-president, automotive, motorsport and member of the Michelin Group executive committee, said: “Since its launch, the original Michelin CrossClimate has had a radical effect on the European all-season tyre market, which has since enjoyed annual growth more than 19%, in addition to being the only segment to have kept growing during lockdown.

“Over the next five years, it is expected to expand at a rate of more than 16% per year. Safer, longer-lasting and more economical, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a further illustration of the Group’s All-Sustainable strategy.”

The 3PMSF (3-Peak-Mountain with Snow Flake) logo on the tyres sidewalls confirms that it can be used in winter in countries where winter tyres are mandatory.

Michelin said this means that for drivers who take their vehicles to mainland Europe during the winter months, there will be no need to swap onto winter tyres, and back again, each year.

The CrossClimate2 is available in 105 sizes – a 40% increase compared to its processor – for vehicles with 15- to 20-inches wheels.

Michelin said its technologies ensures high performance through the whole life of a tyre, down to its tread depth marker and its low rolling resistance helps save on fuel, energy and materials.

Michelin said its CrossClimate 2 – both new and worn – came out on top in six out of nine tests (chiefly braking and traction performance tests) in 2020 and 2021. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Seven road deaths were reported on National Safe Speeds Day, which took place on September 15, as part of Project Edward, the nationwide road safety campaign.

All 43 police forces in England and Wales, as well as Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, took part in the 24-hour operation to encourage compliance with speed limits.

“On average, five people a day lose their lives on the UK’s roads,” says James Luckhurst of Project Edward. “Speeding is a major cause of crashes, and speeding is a choice. The fact that we already know of seven deaths during the 24 hours of our National Safe Speeds Day operation – with results still due from some forces – shows how far we are as a society from getting on top of road danger.

“It is a disappointing outcome, but it confirms that we must continue our efforts to remind everyone who uses the road that we are all more vulnerable than we think.”

Chief Constable Jo Shiner of Sussex Police added: “I am fully supportive of this first National Safe Speeds Day and I welcome the efforts by members of the Project Edward team to highlight the benefits for all road users of understanding and choosing speeds that are legal and safe because we know lower speeds mean fewer road deaths.”

Positioned around ‘Every Day Without a Road Death’, the Project Edward campaign included a week of road safety activity, including three electric vehicles (EVs) taking part in a challenge to cover the country using the smallest charge.

The drivers showcased examples of safe road planning, post-crash response, design and engineering, while visiting sites involved in the campaign along the way; including stops at South Queensferry traffic control operations room, Devon Air Ambulance, the New Forest and Sussex.

The team also engaged with community speed watch groups and visited depots of large transport fleets including Waitrose and Royal Mail.

Other stop-off points included local authorities that have adopted the ‘Safe System’ approach to tackling road risk.

This year, Project Edward was managed by RoadSafe in partnership with Driving for Better Business (DfBB).

For more information visit the Project Edward website. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Osprey Charging will install more than 150 high-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs across the UK by 2025.

A total of 1,500 150-175KW rapid chargers will be installed across the sites, which will be located on strategic A-roads and adjacent to motorways.

The £75 million rollout will also see new charger optimisation technology deployed. Kempower charging technology enables locations to host multiple rapid chargers on a single site without compromising on charging power or requiring prohibitively expensive grid connections, says Osprey.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “It’s crucial that public charging infrastructure stays ahead of the curve.

“Through this rollout we will make charging anxiety a thing of the past. High-powered, multi-charger hubs will herald a new era of public EV charging – enabling mass EV adoption and a clean transport revolution.

“Our rollout of hubs across the country’s major transport routes will ensure drivers are supported with convenient, reliable, on-the-go charging, delivering the best possible consumer experience for UK motorists.”

Construction is already underway at four sites and Osprey’s first hub will open next month in Wolverhampton, adjacent to the A463 near the M6.

Construction will commence on all of the first 10 hubs before the end of the year, with more than 150 hubs consisting of 1,500 150-175kW chargers, opening on major transport routes, motorways, A-roads and popular destinations over the next four years.

Each rapid charger will be located near food and drink amenities, allowing drivers to make use of the facilities while they charge their car. For example, Osprey’s first four hubs are adjacent to well-known and popular retailers, including Costa Coffee, Lidl, Aldi, Pizza Hut, KFC and Curry’s PC World.

All Osprey chargers are compatible with every rapid charging EV on the market today and do not require a membership or subscription to initiate charging – drivers can simply tap their contactless bank card or smart phone.

New charging technology deployed

Osprey’s hubs will deploy a new technology – Kempower – which is enabling more locations than ever before to host multiple high-powered chargers on a single site, it says.

Kempower chargers work together to optimise charging across multiple vehicles when more than one EV is plugged in at the same charging hub.

They allow power to be distributed based on demand, which varies significantly between individual vehicles due to the maximum charging rate of each model and its battery percentage at the point of charge.

This power management can reduce waiting times for charging significantly, maximising the speed and availability of chargers for drivers, and increasing consumer footfall for the landowners hosting the hubs, says Osprey.

The load-balancing technology also means grid connections can be optimised, allowing multiple high-power chargers to be installed per site and offering higher charging speeds without the need for more grid power.

The physical footprint of each charger is also reduced by 74%, allowing space for more chargers, improved accessibility and reducing their visual impact to support planning permission.

Graeme Cooper, head of future markets at National Grid, said: “The widespread transition to EVs means we need to rethink how we make, move and use energy.

“The power demand for charging will be significant, so it’s crucial that we use the cleanest and cheapest power in our cars and to make the most of each grid connection.

“By optimising power management at charging facilities, we can ensure a smooth transition away from petrol and diesel whilst maintaining a stable and effective electricity grid.”

Construction is starting on the first 10 hubs at the following locations in 2021: Banbury, M40; Suffolk, A14; Essex, A127; Glasgow, M8; East Lothian, A1; Wolverhampton, A4123; Birmingham, M6; Croydon, London, A23; Crewe, A534; and Brackley, A43. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

These cars won’t be cheap so I’m not promoting them but they show how ranges are increasing with every new model. The Hyundai Kona with a 300 mile range was looking good so we are on target to hit ranges of 600 miles within the next 12 – 24 months.

Mercedes has unveiled the EQE saloon, which joins its growing range of electric models.

The E-Class counterpart is based on Mercedes’ purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) platform and promises a range of up to 410 miles.

Multiple powertrain options are expected to be offered, but only the EQE 350 has been detailed so far. It uses a 90kWh battery and has a power output of 292PS.

The EQE is compatible with up to 170kW chargers, enabling an 80% charge in around half an hour.

Mercedes says the car “carries the concept of the business saloon into the future” and makes use of its latest powertrain and in-car technology.

It represents the second of three electric saloons from Mercedes-Benz, sitting alongside the larger EQS.

While smaller in footprint, the EQE shares many styling and interior details with its sibling such as the black panel front grille and full width LED lighting at the rear.

Mercedes will offer the EQE with the MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment system, which spans the width of the dashboard providing a display for the front passenger as well as a central control screen and digital instruments.

The EQE is billed for arrival in summer 2022, with prices likely to start at around £60,000. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The increase in National Insurance Contributions (NIC), announced by the Government, will strengthen the financial appeal of choosing an electric vehicle (EV) as a company car, says Arval.

Employers pay NIC in several ways – on salaries, bonuses, and many employee benefits. The rates for those different kinds of NIC are all currently 13.8%. Following the 1.25 percentage point increase in NIC from April 2022, and subsequent Levy from April 2023, employers will pay NIC at an effective rate of 15.05%.

Employees have NIC deducted at source at different rates depending on their level of earnings, and each of those rates will also increase by 1.25 percentage points. 

Richard Cox, a consultant at Arval UK, said: “The change in NI improves the position of low carbon vehicles relative to others, so while there is an increase for EVs, it is much lower than for PHEV and much, much lower than for ICE.”

Figures from Arval show that for a £40,000 internal combustion engined (ICE) car, the monthly increase in employers’ NI paid on benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation will be £11.67, whereas for a £45,000 petrol hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), it will be £5.62, and for a £50,000 electric vehicle (EV), just £1.04.

Cox says that the biggest impact of the NI increase for employers and employees is on salaries, where there is a combined 2.5% increased tax charge.

In contrast, for company cars the rate is half of that at 1.25%, because employees do not pay NI on benefits.

“This is good news for company cars in the sense that the increase in NI is smaller than for cash options, although again it is important to underline that the amounts involved are quite small when measured on an individual basis,” he explained.

“The amounts involved for employers are not enormous – an additional 1.25% on NI is barely more than the increases we see in BIK rates each April but will certainly add up over a large fleet.”

He added that the increase would have the least effect on companies who use a whole life cost (WLC) model for constructing their choice lists.

Cox said: “A WLC based approach means that the NI increase will be automatically absorbed because it is part of the defined company car budget, although it does marginally reduce the buying power of employees unless the employer decides to make a compensatory increase.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News