Turning Electric Magazine - FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION by CapitalBusinessMedia

NEWS • REVIEWS • INTERVIEWS • ELECTRIC CARS • SOLAR • RENEWABLE ENERGY FEBRUARY 2024 FREE

Pushed to the limits:

EVEXPEDITIONS + EV expeditions have become a new trend in the electric car industry,we speak to a number of adventurers to find out if EVs are tougher than we think.

THE LATEST IN ALL THINGS

FORMULA E

Enjoy fast, rapid or ultra-rapid charging on 98% of our network. Whether it’s local deliveries or long-range journeys, we’re here to keep your drivers and your business powered up for the road ahead.

one electric

MONTH/YEAR EXPIRY DATE

Allstar One Electric. Got yours yet? Allstar One Electric

3 TURNING ELECTRIC MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s been a hell of a ride...

sually, I like to start these Editor’s Notes with some commentary of the electric vehicle industry from the past month, or to preview what’s coming up in the issue. However, this month, I’d like to start with a bit of personal news.

After three amazing years at EV Powered, I will be leaving my role as Editor and embarking on a new journey. As of next month, Matt Allan will be in the hotseat, so rest assured, you will still be getting your regular dose of EV news, views and features! We have grown the EV Powered brand into one of the biggest electric vehicle publications in the UK, adding this magazine and our podcast, The Everything EV Podcast, to our portfolio.

race on page 14 and 15, before a preview of the new Extreme E season on the next page.

There have been some amazing experiences over the past three years. From testing some of the best electric vehicles around (with the fully-electric Jag E-Type by Electrogenic standing out) to travelling all over the world to Sweden, Italy, Germany, Monaco and all over the UK, too.

Elsewhere in this issue, we have a breakdown of the best electric vehicles on display at CES 2024, a look at wireless charging roads, and a special feature on the growing trends of EV expeditions.

I’ve been so grateful to have a front row seat to this amazing industry, and it’s been a pleasure to meet and interact with all the incredible people that make the EV sector tick. Before I give you all a sneak peek to what’s in this issue, I’d also like to thank the team at EV Powered for all their hard work over the past few years – It’s been a hell of a ride.

For one last time from me, enjoy the read!

Of course, there’s plenty more inside, from your roundup of electric vehicle news, e-bike coverage and much, much more.

Coming up then, we have all the usual features for you, starting with ‘The EV Powered Interview’ which focuses on Seb Inglis-Jones, the founder of electric bike brand, Maeving. We had Seb on the podcast last month to discuss these retro-styled electric bikes and how they are changing the EV market, whilst also providing an insight into the challenges facing the electric bike industry. You can see what he had to say on page 8.

Charlie Atkinson Editor, Turning Electric

The Formula E season also kicked off last month, with the season opener in Mexico City being as action-packed as ever. We have a full report on this Turning Electric is published in London by

Capital Business Media Ltd, Level 18, 40th Floor, London, E14 5NR. Tel: 020 7148 3861 Turning Electric is printed using sustainable paper sources and vegetable ink, and is PEFC certified. Copies are recycled at the end of each month. © EV Powered Ltd a Capital Business Media group brand.

The Turning Electric Team Editor Charlie Atkinson

Content Sales Manager Laura Phillips

Associate Editor Cherry Martin

Capital Business Media, Group MD Richard Alvin

Graphic Designer Grace Moseley

Business Development Director Stephen Banks

Videographer Jacob Pinchbeck

Chief Creative Director Stuart Hyde Finance Director Andrew Martin

TURNING ELECTRIC MAGAZINE 4

Contents

EV News

The latest from the EV industry.

it a Maeving 8 Make An exclusive feature with Seb Inglis-Jones, co-founder of Maeving.

E 14 Formula Werhlein converts pole to land first win of Season 10. E 16 Extreme Strap in for Season 4!

to the Limits! 18 Pushed What can we learn from EV expeditions? Charging 24 EV Could roads which charge EV’s as they drive be true future? News 26 E-Bike The latest news on all things E-Bikes! Best Electric Vehicles at CES 2024 28 The A special feature and break down of the 5 best! Research 34 EV Record rate of EV charge point installation in 2023.

35 Opinion Getting driver adoption wrong could cost businesses... Home News 38 Electric The latest news and updates for everything Electric Home. by the Sun 42 Powered How many solar panels do I need?

Sustainable Living 44 Embracing A guide in embracing sustainable living in your home in 2024. Hope 46 Harnessing Teaching future generations about renewable energy. Relief on Home Energy Tech... 50 VAT ...a majoy boost for consumers.

5 EV NEWS

BT to repurpose street cabinets into EV street chargers BT Group has launched a pilot project to repurpose street cabinets into on-street electric vehicle chargepoints. Etc., the startup and digital incubation arm at BT Group has confirmed that it will power up its first EV charging unit built from a street cabinet traditionally used to store broadband and phone cabling. The announcement marks the first step in the rollout of new technical trials, exploring the potential to upgrade up to 60,000 cabinets to help meet government sustainability targets and decarbonise the transport system in the UK. Developed to help solve EV charging infrastructure needs by repurposing existing street furniture, the pilots will explore how this solution could be scaled to address the lack of chargers on UK roads. With new BT Group research showing that more than a third (38%) would have an EV already if charging were less of an issue, and with only 53,000 public EV charge points currently on

UK roads. the pilot marks an important step in the journey to net-zero. Etc. has announced its first installation location in East Lothian, Scotland, with further pilots to roll out across the UK in the coming months. Tom Guy, Managing Director, Etc. at BT Group said: “Our new charging solution is a huge step in bringing EV charging kerbside and exploring how we can address key barriers customers are currently facing. Working closely with local councils in Scotland and more widely across the UK, we are at a critical stage of our journey in tackling a very real customer problem that sits at the heart of our wider purpose to connect for good.” “This is a key step in our mission to build products and services right now that work for the future, with positive transformation at the heart.”

GOVERNMENT fails to hit EV charger target by end of 2023

Just 46 (39%) of 119 motorway services reviewed by the RAC on Zapmap now have the target number of chargers above 50kW to serve the UK’s growing fleet of battery-electric vehicles which should have exceeded the 1m milestone by the end of 2023. The number of rapid chargers has grown from just 27 (23%) at the end of April.

The Government has not hit its target of having six or more rapid or ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service area in Since the end of spring a further 178 high-powered chargers England by the end of 2023, new research conducted by the RAC shows. have been installed at motorway services. Positively, there are now more than 400 ultra-rapid chargers at services which means more than half (55%) can now offer some of the fastest possible charging speeds to drivers.

Only 18 service areas have no rapid charging above 50kW, but worryingly four have no charging facilities whatsoever: Leicester Forest on both sides of the M1, Tebay South on the M6, and Barton Park on the A1(M). Encouragingly, there are now 14 services in England which have more than 12 such devices – up from only six in the spring. The Moto-run services at Exeter on the M5 has the most highpowered chargers of all motorway services, with 24 devices. Looking at all high-powered motorway chargers collectively, there are currently an average of five (4.9) devices at all 119 service areas in England – up from 3.4 at the end of April. RAC EV spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s clear from our research that the Government has fallen well short of its target of having six high-powered chargers at every motorway service area in England. We continue to believe that the wide availability of ultra-rapid charging is crucial in giving both current and future EV drivers confidence to know they can easily make journeys beyond the range of their vehicles in a time-efficient way.”

EV NEWS 6 Charles’ plans to install KING’S PLANS for EV chargers King electric vehicle charging points Windsor Castle have been at Windsor Castle under threat atthreatened by archaeologists. Plans had been submitted to install six electric vehicle charging points on the Royal grounds, however archaeologists have pushed back against the proposals as the chargers may impact nationally important archaeological remains. The group has requested an investigation to assess the impact of the chargers on the site. Under the plans, four of the charging points will be placed around Home Park and two by the castle. The Royal household said of the plans: “This application is submitted to support the wider sustainability strategy and decarbonisation of the estate. No works are proposed to existing building fabric, all chargers are to be free-standing and reversible to accommodate future technology developments in the field.”

LOTUS partners with BOSCH and MOBILIZE to expand charging network Lotus has announced two new pan-European charging partnerships to support the growth of customers taking delivery of its electric vehicles.

The company’s Eletre owners will be able tap into Bosch’s and Mobilize Power Solutions’ charging capabilities, enabling them to charge their hyper-SUV at home or on the move, providing them with further access to easy-to-use, reliable charging. The partnerships will also support owners of the company’s upcoming electric hyper-GT, Emeya, which Lotus

will be delivering to customers in Europe later this year. Through the Bosch charging network, Lotus owners have access to more than 600,000 public charging stations across 30 European countries including UK, Germany and France. Lotus will continue to expand its charging network across Europe by adding additional network operators over time.

7 EV NEWS

ONE IN FIVE thinking of switching to an EV this year New research from The Green Insurer has found that 18% of motorists are considering switching their petrol or diesel car to an EV in the next 12 months. That figure increases to 31% in London, where almost one in three say they are thinking about switching their fossil-fuel powered vehicles for a hybrid or electric version over the next year. The desire by many motorists to move towards a cleaner, electrified future by the end of 2024 is in spite of the Government’s recent decision to push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035. The decision to delay the ban was backed by 60% of the survey’s respondents.

SAINSBURY’S launches ultra-rapid EV charging service Sainsbury’s will be launching new, ultra rapid electric vehicle chargers across a number of its stores, thanks to its new business Smart Charge.

The brand-new, dedicated EV charging business will give drivers access to ultra-rapid EV charging

points across its stores, with the 150kW Smart Charge bays designed to be reliable and easy to use, with 750 bays to be installed in more than 100 Sainsbury’s locations by the end of 2024. In new research commissioned by Sainsbury’s, 80% of EV users admitted to avoiding long journeys because of not wanting to charge at public EV charging stations, describing the main

frustrations as chargers being broken (40%), not enough charging bays (36%) and speed of service (33%). Designed to mitigate these frustrations, Smart Charge will initially feature over 750 cutting-edge ultra-rapid charging bays rolled out across more than 100 stores by the end of 2024, putting Sainsbury’s in the top five providers of ultra-rapid charging in the UK.

NEWS IN BRIEF Audi’s fully electric RS Q e-tron has made history by winning the Dakar Rally. The Spaniards Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz secured Audi’s first victory in the ‘world’s toughest rally’ after around 7,900 kilometres with a lead of 1h 20min. Mattias Ekström/Emil Bergkvist also crossed the finish line. The Peak District National Park has completed the installation of five new twin charging points, funded by BMW UK. Volvo Trucks has become the first HGV manufacturer in the UK to have four different models of low emission vehicle approved for the government’s plug-in grant of up to £25,000 on new registrations. Stockport residents have received their first EV charging hub as part of an ongoing £15 million investment.

MAE VING MAKE IT A

9 MAEVING

INTERVIEW

IN THIS EXCLUSIVE FEATURE, WE SPEAK TO SEB INGLIS-JONES, THE CO-FOUNDER OF BRITISH ELECTRIC BIKE BRAND, MAEVING.

aeving was founded in 2017 with mission of creating a retro-style but British-built electric bike with swappable batteries, and Seb is here to tell us all about the bikes and how they are changing the EV market, whilst also providing an insight into the challenges facing the electric bike industry.

e are basically Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer. We build electric motorbikes here in the UK in Coventry, the birthplace of the British motorcycle design industry.

“”

HOW WAS 2023 FOR MAEVING? I think for a lot of companies, let alone automotive manufacturers, it was a pretty tough year, with people having a little bit less money to spend and being a little bit more circumspect about buying new vehicles. But, nonetheless, it was a pretty huge year for us and we grew quite dramatically. We moved into a factory that’s five times the size of our previous one. It was pretty exhausting. But when we finally sat back and reflected at the end of the year, it was it was pretty insane when we looked at the list of things that we have achieved.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN OVERVIEW OF ALL OF MAEVING’S DIFFERENT MODELS? We are basically Britain’s first electric motorcycle manufacturer. We build electric motorbikes here in the

UK in Coventry, the birthplace of the British motorcycle design industry. We currently have two models. The first was the RM1. This is a bike that’s made for city commuting and the best way to think about it is it’s like a 125cc motorbike or scooter. It has removable batteries that you can take out and plug in and charge the standard socket, which means you get around this whole challenge of charging infrastructure, which is really the biggest barrier to EV adoption. The first bike has a top speed of 45 miles per hour, so very much built for urban commuting, with 80 miles of range. We launched the RM1S last year, and it’s one of our biggest achievements for 2023. It’s pretty similar in design, but importantly, it’s about twice the power and has a top speed of 70 miles per hour, so it brings electric riding within reach of people who might live outside a city centre and whose commutes might take them on short motorway spells as well.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO THE ELECTRIC MOTORBIKE MARKET? Well it’s a slightly different landscape. When it comes to electrifying cars, you have the benefit of essentially being able to put as many batteries in as you feasibly can within the packaging constraints of that vehicle. So it’s no surprise, for example, that the giant SUVs and pickup trucks that are sort of hitting the roads in the US have the greatest mileage because they, in terms of sheer space, can pack a lot of batteries on them. And it doesn’t matter that they weigh two and a half, three tonnes, because they go 0-60 in three to five seconds because of the torque you can get out of electric motor. In the two wheel space, you obviously can’t do that, as you can’t have a motorbike that weighs half a tonne. It’s obviously not manageable, so you’re dealing with a

slightly different set of constraints. For that reason, you can’t really, at this stage in time with battery density as it is, get a comparable to an internal combustion engine bike because you just can’t feasibly pack on the amount of batteries that you need to deliver the same sort of mileage. And so for this reason, all the companies that have been focused on building high power kind of perf bikes or bikes that are trying to compete with touring bikes, it’s not really working. You’re ultimately creating something which is maybe twice the price of its actual counterpart and is only really delivering 60 miles or 80 miles of range and then you have to plug it in, so that’s really inconvenient. I think people are happy with the idea that you might get 250 miles in a car and then have to plug it in, but 60, 80 miles is just not long enough for a recreational motorcyclist. So there’s not really the case at the moment for a full-size electric motorbike.

AN WHAT DOES THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE MARKET LOOK LIKE? The motorcycle market is behind the car market significantly. I think they’re maybe ten years behind in terms of the way that they think about electric and the importance of moving through electric. I think that’s in part because of what we were talking about with the packaging constraints, some of the limitations of the product you’re dealing with, but also because of the customer. A lot of full-scale motorbikes are used for recreational riding. Motorcycle customers, certainly in the UK, the average age is about 53, overwhelmingly male. It’s a very different customer to your average car customer. And they’re not as interested in the EV transition as your average car customer is. And so, for all

INTERVIEW these reasons, you’ve basically got the major OEMs focusing on those more traditional customers and those more traditional products. So when they think about making an electric bike, they think about making a full powered electric bike broadly. For all those reasons, they’re kind of dragging their heels on this electric transition. On the other side of the market, you have the Chinese-led market, and increasingly India and a few other countries. China is the foil to the traditional motorcycle market, and of course, it’s now China that’s beginning to lead the way in the electric car space as well. But it’s completely unparalleled in the two wheel world; they have had a electric revolution over there. They’ve got 80% electric adoption, and everyone is riding around on lightweight electric scooters with removeable batteries.

MAEVING 12 WHAT MAKES MAEVING SO UNIQUE? What we’ve tried to do is take that removable battery concept that we completely believe in. We think it’s extraordinary that no one here in the West has heard about removable battery scooters and motorbikes, and yet over in the East everyone is riding them and that makes so much sense. So what we’ve done is we’ve taken that technology but then we’ve gone: “The UK, one of the things that is truly renowned for worldwide in terms of manufacturing is motorcycle design, so we’re going to do this in a British way.” We’ve focused on design and quality and we’ve basically created this segment which is slightly in between because it’s using that removable battery technology, but it’s, it’s calling upon motorcycle design that people absolutely love in the West.

13 MAEVING WHAT IS YOUR AUDIENCE? ARE YOU TRYING TO CONVINCE TRADITIONAL ‘PETROLHEADS’ TO GO ELECTRIC? It’s interesting. There are plenty of people in the motorcycle world who are really interested in and passionate about electric as well. A lot of motorcycle aficionados have multiple bikes, because bikes are more affordable. A lot of the time they’re owned by people who are slightly more passionate hobbyists. It’s not unusual for a bike to have three or five bikes, so we have lots of customers who are traditional motorcyclists that see our bikes as a really interesting addition to their collection. They might

would challenge anyone to give biking a go and say: “no, it’s not for me.” I think you instantly feel special and it feels like a much more engaged experience.

“”

AN have a big BMW GS that they use for touring and they might have a sports bike that they use for cruising around the countryside on the weekends, and then they see us as a really sensible daily commuter that is easy to maintain, easy to manage, lightweight, maneuverable, all of those things that make sort of smaller capacity, lower capacity bikes and scooters easier to ride in urban areas in particular. We do have plenty of customers who are traditional motorcyclists, but there are, as you’ve identified, for instance, plenty for whom a pulsing V-twin, the noise that comes out the back of the exhaust pipe, the oil, the smell, is really important. It’s a challenge to us to make products that are as engaging as their petrol bikes. I’ve also come from a petrol background. I love petrol and I love classic cars, love classic bikes. I totally get the romance around the combustion engine. I do. I also happen to think it’s really important that we move to electric to save the planet, so I think the onus is on us to make really compelling products.

INTERVIEW HOW DO YOU BEST DESCRIBE THE FEELING AND SENSATION OF BEING BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A MAEVING ELECTRIC BIKE? I would say I’m biased, but I don’t think I am. I think anyone who has ridden a motorcycle or a scooter will say there’s something magical about it. When you’re in a car, you’re comfortable, you’ve got the heater on, you’ve got climate control, you’ve got a lovely radio. For me, I think about driving as this cocoon of luxury and comfort and you’re in control of everything that’s going on. When you’re riding a bike, it’s much more simple. You probably don’t have headphones in, you’re very engaged with everything that’s going around. You can feel the wind in your helmet. It’s a much more engaging experience. I would challenge anyone to give biking a go and say: “no, it’s not for me.” I think you instantly feel special and it feels like a much more engaged experience.

Tag Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Werhlein conquered Mexico once again as he secured the first victory of Season 10 in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

FORMULA E 14

Having missed out on the Championship last year, Werhlein looked like a man with a point to prove in season opener in Mexico City, and the German got to work quickly by securing pole position. Werhlein has taken all four of his Formula E Julius Baer Pole Positions in the country, and the same can be said of Porsche powertrains – driving the winner in each of the last three Mexico City E-Prix. The German dominated from lights out, only losing his position briefly during his Attack Mode activation, and a spell under Full Course Yellow. Envision Racing’s Buemi followed the Porsche home to take second for the reigning Teams’ World Champions, matching his Season 9 podium tally. Nick Cassidy, on debut in the factory Jaguar TCS Racing I-TYPE 6 after moving from Envision over the off-season, took third – making it by Maximilian Guenther (Maserati MSG Racing) mid-way through the encounter. The latter took the chequered flag in fourth.

WERHLEIN CO

TO LAND FIR

Another Championship contender last year, Mitch Evans, struggled to get going and was forced into a defensive race. The Jaguar TCS Racing driver was scrambling to hold off the advancing Jean-Eric Vergne of DS Penske, who had Wehrlein and Porsche opted for a different strategy pushed his way through the grid from tenth to become than their rivals, with the race-winner taking both his only the second Formula E driver to surpass 1,000 points. ATTACK MODES in quick succession early on in the NEOM McLaren’s Jake Hughes followed Vergne home E-Prix. However, a gap from him to Sebastien Buemi in seventh, with Season 8 champion Stoffel Vandoorne (Envision Racing) soon appeared after the Season 2 eighth at the conclusion. Brit Jake Dennis in the Andretti champ made an error when hunting down Pascal. made up ground to an eventual ninth and points from 14th “I saw Buemi make a mistake behind me which put him out at the start, after an uncharacteristic error in qualifying of the slipstream, and from there the race was a bit easier,” saw his title defense set off on the wrong foot. Dennis’ he continued after the race. “A very good day. Thanks to new teammate Norman Nato rounded out the top 10. my team all the hard work and we need to keep pushing.” Speaking of his win, Pascal Werhlein said: “A pretty good Talking of pushing, Wehrlein also added that each trip day with pole position and the race win. Our focus in the around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez felt like a off- season was especially in qualifying as that was one qualifying lap and trying to maximise the corner speeds. of our weaknesses in the last half last season. I hope we did a good step forward. Let’s see if it’s just Mexico City, “This track is one where it’s not so easy to overtake. Yes, you or if we can confirm that in the next couple of events. can overtake but you’re already more flat out then on some other tracks. I quite like the mix. Tracks like Berlin or Portland “Nevertheless, I was really happy about the pole can be messy at the start of a race until the pace picks up. It’s position, probably as happy as I was about the race good that we have a couple of other races where qualifying win to be honest! The race was not an easy one. It matters and where we really want to start in the top five.” probably looked easier than it was because I was

leading almost the whole race and could save a lot of The Porsche driver now makes it two victories in Mexico City, energy – just always a little bit to increase my targets.” after attaining the German giants’ first win in Formula E in 2020. “I definitely had a good feeling and already during ALL THAT LEAVES testing end of last season, it was clear that we WEHRLEIN ATOP THE made someat the steps forward,” he finalised. “But obviously DRIVERS’ TABLE AT Mexico is somehow always a special track for us. That’s THIS EARLY STAGE, why I’m a bit cautious! But hopefully we can confirm WITH TAG HEUER that performance in qualifying and also on other tracks.” PORSCHE HEADING THE TEAMS’ RUNNING. All that leaves Wehrlein atop the Drivers’ table at this early stage, with TAG Heuer Porsche heading the Teams’ running.

Formula E returns in two weeks’ time for a double-header of night races in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia on 27 & 28 January.

ONVERTS POLE

RST WIN OF

SEASON 10 Copy and images courtesy of Formula E.

EXTREME E 16

STRAP IN FOR

Extreme E has revealed its calendar for the upcoming 2024 season, as the pioneering off-road racing championship gears up for its fourth campaign. Extreme E’s latest instalment will kick off on the sands of Saudi Arabia once again, as the new season opens against a stunning desert backdrop on 17-18 February for Rounds 1 and 2 at a new location near Jeddah. The championship’s next three X Prix will take place across Europe, with the location of Rounds 3 and 4 on 13-14 July to be announced in the new year. The series will then play host to back-to-back rounds in Sardinia in September, which has become a firm fixture on the Extreme E calendar and an ever-present since its inception in 2021. Extreme E will return to the Italian island for Rounds 5 and 6, and 7 and 8 of the 2024 campaign for what promises to be another thrilling spectacle in the Mediterranean, co-organised and coordinated by the Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna. The Sardinian rounds will also be the setting for demonstration and testing of the Extreme H cars ahead of their full debut in 2025. Extreme H will be the world’s first off-road racing series to be powered by hydrogen, with preparations well underway ahead of the championship’s launch in just over a year’s time.

SEA

17 EXTREME E

ASON 4!

The conclusion of Season 4 will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, in late November, as the championship makes its historic debut in the USA. Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to unveil our calendar for Extreme E Season 4. If the 2024 campaign is anything like our first three, then our fans are going to be in for something special. “We are looking forward to returning to Saudi Arabia for the opening rounds of the new season. Saudi Arabia has always delivered a thrilling spectacle on track, and we are expecting more of the same in February at an exciting new location near Jeddah. “The location of our European race in July will be announced soon. While we continue a dedicated testing programme of the new Extreme H car, holding spectacular races across the European continent during the middle leg of the season is important for streamlining our operations, and so we are excited to return to Sardinia in September. I would like to thank the Automobile Club d’Italia and Regione Sardegna for their unwavering support for our series, and a doubleheader on the Italian island is a prospect we are all looking forward to. Sardinia is also likely to be the setting of the Extreme H car’s first public laps on an off-road race course, which will be an historic moment for motorsport and hydrogen power. “To head to the USA for the first time for our season finale is an important milestone for our series and a fitting conclusion to the year. It is a key market for us and there is plenty of passion for off-road racing across the country, so we are looking forward to Extreme E’s debut in North America which will likely crown the victors of the championship.”

Copy and images courtesy of Extreme E.

EV EXPEDITIONS 18

Pushed to the limits:

What can we le from EV

19 EV EXPEDITIONS

EV expeditions have become a new trend in the electric car industry, and so in this feature we speak to a number of adventurers to find out if EVs are tougher than we think.

earn V expeditions?

EV EXPEDITIONS 20

Pre-conceived ideas Despite the growth of the electric vehicle industry over the last few years, there are still some people out there with outdated ideas of what electric cars are all about. If you were to ask these people what they see when asked to picture an electric vehicle, they would probably conjure up images of a G-Wiz or a 12-year-old Nissan Leaf, instead of a brand new Tesla. It is these pre-conceived ideas that have, most likely, removed a lot of confidence in electric vehicles, and why the EV industry still faces so much scepticism. Last year, EV Powered published a video on its YouTube channel breaking down some of the most common myths surrounding electric vehicles. For this video, I spent hours searching for some of the biggest misconceptions, and these ranged from reasonably logical questions about range, to the completely ludicrous idea that EVs can’t go through a car wash. Clearly, electric vehicles can handle much more than a car wash, and in fact, they can handle much, much more.

Driven to extremes Last year, I began to notice a new trend developing in the electric vehicle industry. In an effort to prove the credentials of their new vehicles, more and more EV manufacturers were sending their latest electric vehicles all around the world, across varying and challenging terrains, to demonstrate just how tough they really are. The first EV expedition I became aware of was the ‘Fen to Fell’ journey being led by expedition specialist Max Adventure, which saw leader Mac Mackenney and his team take a fully electric Kia EV6 from Britain’s lowest road to Britain’s highest road on a single charge. The Kia EV6 ‘GT Line S’ AWD completed the 209mile drive, with an ascent of 2791 ft., and finished with a range of 107 miles remaining. If that wasn’t enough, the Max Adventure team then decided to continue to Britain’s highest public house, the Tan Hill Inn. At the end of its challenge, and having covered 239 miles that day, the Kia EV6 still had a remarkable 86 miles remaining as indicated range. This meant that once ready to leave there was charge left to descend the Yorkshire Dales to the nearest charging point, before the team began its journey home.

This was not the only EV expedition Mac had competed, however. Mac had also travelled from the Arctic Circle to Svalbard in a KIA EV6 GT, up the stunning west coast of Norway from Mo I Rana to Tromso, before boarding a boat to Longyearbyen, just 820 miles from the North Pole and to the most northerly EV charger in the world. Mac also completed the ‘Euro EV Marathon’ which saw him travel through 16 countries in just 3.5 days in a KIA EV6, recreating a Stirling Moss challenge of 1952. The journey took him from Oslo to Lisbon through - over 3,600 miles – which included ascending the 7,500 foot Julier Pass of Switzerland. And the best bit? The team still managed to beat Stirling Moss’ time by a staggering 47 minutes! “They’re not just for city driving, that’s for certain,” Mac said. “We’ve proved that they can beat one of the greatest racing drivers this country has ever produced, in the form of Stirling Moss, on a marathon 3,600 mile race around Europe.” Despite laying down 3,600 miles in just 3.5 days, Mac believes electric vehicles still have much more to give. “I haven’t pushed one anywhere near hard enough yet. One area that I would dearly love

21 EV EXPEDITIONS to head for when it comes to EV’s is extreme than one occasion we leap-frogged the charging the magnetic North Pole to the South Pole in a altitude. Having planned the logistics for the point that was recommended by ‘A Better Route modified Nissan Ariya e-4ORCE. world’s largest-ever medical research expedition Planner’ (a brilliant EV route planning website) The couple set off in March last year and travelled at high altitude, where I spent three months as and headed straight for the next charger, so over 17,000 miles from the Arctic, through North, Base Camp Manager on Everest, I know just how efficient was the car.” Central and South America, before crossing to energy sapping it is to work where there is very Antarctica. Chris and Julie had to little oxygen. Unlike an air breathing battle extreme environments and vehicle that would struggle and “We take things to the extreme, so we’ve conditions, where temperatures wheeze the same as we would, an EV proved that long journeys are possible, ranged from -30⁰C to 30⁰C. can retain full power no matter how whether you’ve got charging infrastructure Chris and Julie eventually crossed the high they climb.” or you don’t,” Chris said. “I’ve always had full finish line in December 2023, bringing Having done more miles in electric confidence in the amazing capabilities of their 10-month expedition to an end. I vehicles than probably all of us put caught up with them halfway through electric vehicles, and I knew our Nissan Ariya together, what surprised Mac the would tackle everything thrown at it. But it’s their journey to find out what they had most about the EV6? learnt about electric vehicles. been far tougher than I anticipated.” “You read the spec sheets that “We take things to the extreme, so manufacturers publish, but you don’t we’ve proved that long journeys are possible, really believe that they can achieve them in real whether you’ve got charging infrastructure All around the world world driving, especially when it comes to range or you don’t,” Chris said. “I’ve always had full and charging speeds, but the EV6 actually lived Shortly after our podcast with Mac, I heard of confidence in the amazing capabilities of electric another EV expedition in the works. This time, up to them. vehicles, and I knew our Nissan Ariya would Nissan was preparing to send husband and wife “The range in particular was so impressive on tackle everything thrown at it. But it’s been far adventure duo, Chris and Julie Ramsey, from our European EV Marathon drive that on more tougher than I anticipated.”

EV EXPEDITIONS 22

Charging into the future

“Like all major projects Hugo and I have undertaken not everything has gone quite to

and want to see the car, so we’ve been asked to several extra events,” said Ross Turner.

Ahead of its launch, MG sent its EV roadster on a 8,500 mile European tour, the first leg of the brands ‘Charging into the Future’ “All of our experience has been with a preadventure which will see the MG EV production car, but it’s been amazing. The car make its way to Shanghai.

is very responsive as you would expect from

Both Hugo and Ross have shared the driving duties and, although they’re driving an early prototype vehicle, they have been impressed by the driving experience.

The pre-production Cyberster is being an EV, but also it sticks like glue when you Hugo added: “All of our experience piloted by British adventurers and throw it into a corner. We’ve also really enjoyed has been with a pre-production brothers Ross and Hugo Turner, who discovering the Cyberster’s abilities in ever car, but it’s been amazing. The car covered more miles than originally changing environments. It’s hugely capable, is very responsive as you would planned due to the car’s popularity expect from an EV, but also it sticks with MG and EV enthusiasts in Europe. powering down an autobahn or taking in like glue when you throw it into a To date the MG has visited France, hairpin turns up a mountain.” corner. We’ve also really enjoyed Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, discovering the Cyberster’s abilities Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Spain and Italy, and pretty much the plan. A good few thousand extra miles have in ever changing environments. It’s hugely already been added to the trip because MG fans capable, powering down an autobahn or taking whole of MG’s home market, the UK. and EV enthusiasts have heard about the tour in hairpin turns up a mountain.”

23 EV EXPEDITIONS What’s next? The trend of pushing electric vehicles to their limits will surely continue, as manufacturer’s look to prove that their latest EV can handle more than any other. Electric vehicles still remain a new technology, too. Mass production EVs have only been around for about ten years, so there is still lots more to learn and discover. Testing programmes for vehicles are also becoming mini-expeditions as a result. Prior to its launch, the all-electric Rolls Royce Spectre completed 2.5-million-kilometre testing programme, ranging from the Arctic Circle to the French Riviera. This is becoming a common tale, and particularly for avid adventurer’s such as Mac Mackenney, there are plenty of other trips to tick off the bucket list. “We’ve got an idea for a world record attempt that would actually beat any petrol or diesel powered vehicle,” he said. “It will see us heading out of Europe and into Africa, which would be a major test of the vehicle. We got close last year to getting the project off the ground, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. If there are any EV manufacturers out there reading this who produce a car that can do a genuine 300 miles, please get in touch as it would be great to share my ideas and get your brand into the record books!”

EV CHARGING 24

Could roads which charge electric

vehicles as they drive be true

future of electric motoring?

As the world continues to shift towards a greener future, the question remains: What is the true future of electric motoring? Could the key lie in roads that charge electric vehicles as they drive?

system transfers power to the vehicle’s battery via electromagnetic fields. This allows the vehicle to charge its battery without the need for physical contact or stationary charging stations.

How do dynamic wireless charging roads work? Dynamic wireless charging roads utilize a process known as resonant inductive coupling. This involves two key components: the road infrastructure and the vehicle’s charging system. The road infrastructure consists of coils embedded within the road surface, while the vehicle’s charging system includes a receiving coil mounted on the underside of the vehicle. When an electric vehicle equipped with the necessary technology drives over a road section with embedded coils, the vehicle’s receiving coil interacts with the road’s transmitting coil. This interaction creates an electromagnetic field that transfers power wirelessly to the vehicle’s battery, effectively charging it while in motion. The charging process can occur at various speeds, allowing vehicles to charge even during high-speed driving.

The benefits of dynamic wireless charging roads The potential benefits of dynamic wireless charging roads are vast and could revolutionize the electric motoring industry. Firstly, the continuous charging capability eliminates the need for frequent stops at charging stations, making long-distance travel more convenient and efficient. Drivers can embark on journeys without worrying about running out of battery power or planning their routes around charging infrastructure.

dense network of charging points, rural This revolutionary concept relatively areas and remote locations often lack adequate has the potential to transform infrastructure. This makes it difficult for electric vehicle owners to travel long distances without the the way we think about dynamic wireless charging fear of running out of battery power. Additionally, Secondly, electric transportation and is the need for physical charging stations takes up roads address the issue of limited charging valuable space and requires significant investment infrastructure. By integrating charging technology closer than you expect. directly into the road network, the need for in infrastructure development.

The limitations of traditional electric vehicle charging stations Traditional electric vehicle charging stations have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the adoption of electric vehicles. However, they come with their limitations. One of the main challenges is the time it takes to fully charge an electric vehicle. Even with fast-charging stations, it can still take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to achieve a full charge, depending on the battery capacity. This significantly limits the convenience and practicality of electric vehicles, especially during long journeys or road trips. Another limitation is the availability and accessibility of charging stations. While major cities may have a

The concept of dynamic wireless charging roads Dynamic wireless charging roads offer a potential solution to the limitations of traditional charging stations. Instead of relying solely on stationary charging points, this innovative concept involves embedding charging technology within the road infrastructure. By doing so, electric vehicles can continuously replenish their battery power while on the move. The technology behind dynamic wireless charging roads is based on inductive charging. As an electric vehicle drives over specially designed road sections, a wireless charging

dedicated charging stations is significantly reduced. This opens up possibilities for electric vehicle adoption in areas where establishing charging infrastructure would otherwise be challenging, such as rural and remote regions. Furthermore, the continuous charging provided by dynamic wireless charging roads could potentially extend the range of electric vehicles. With the ability to charge while driving, electric cars may be able to cover greater distances without the need for larger and heavier batteries. This could lead to more affordable and practical electric vehicles, making them a viable option for a wider range of consumers.

25 EV CHARGING Challenges and concerns with dynamic wireless charging roads

Hutchings said SR-516 is going to be one of the most sustainable green projects that CFX has ever built.

While the concept of dynamic wireless charging roads holds tremendous promise, it also comes with its share of challenges and concerns. One of the main challenges is the cost of implementing such infrastructure on a large scale. Embedding charging technology within the road network would require significant investment and coordination between various stakeholders, including governments, road authorities, and vehicle manufacturers.

The potential impact on electric vehicle adoption and the future of electric motoring

Another concern is the efficiency of dynamic wireless charging compared to traditional stationary charging. Since the charging process occurs while the vehicle is in motion, there may be some energy loss due to the wireless transfer. Ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of dynamic wireless charging systems will be crucial for widespread adoption. Additionally, there are technical considerations to address, such as the compatibility between different vehicle models and charging systems. Standardization of charging protocols and infrastructure will be essential to enable seamless integration and interoperability among various electric vehicle brands.

Current projects and developments in dynamic wireless charging road technology Despite the challenges, several exciting projects and developments are already underway in the field of dynamic wireless charging road technology. One notable example is the Swedish project known as “eRoadArlanda.” This pilot project involves the installation of an electrified road section in Sweden, where electric vehicles equipped with a conductive arm can charge while driving. The project aims to demonstrate the viability and practicality of dynamic wireless charging roads in real-world scenarios. Other countries, such as Germany and South Korea, are also investing in research and development of dynamic wireless charging road technology. These initiatives focus on testing and refining the technology, exploring different charging methods, and evaluating the potential impact on electric vehicle adoption and sustainable transportation. Florida in the US is also trialing wireless charging with the construction of a new toll road with the building of the $538 million Route 516. Brian Hutchings, Community Engagement Manager from highway developer CFX said: “We know that roads are not pretty, but what’s unique about this is this will be one of the most sustainable, one of the most conservation-minded roads in the world. And I don’t think that’s an exaggeration.”

Dynamic wireless charging roads have the potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and shape the future of electric motoring. By addressing the limitations of traditional charging infrastructure, this innovative concept can make electric vehicles more practical, convenient, and accessible to a wider range of consumers. The continuous charging capability provided by dynamic wireless charging roads would alleviate range anxiety, one of the main concerns for potential electric vehicle buyers. Knowing that their vehicles can charge while driving, consumers would feel more confident in transitioning to electric transportation and embarking on long journeys without the fear of running out of battery power. Furthermore, the widespread implementation of dynamic wireless charging roads could lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As more vehicles transition to electric power, the overall carbon footprint of transportation would decrease, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.

The role of governments and policymakers in supporting dynamic wireless charging road infrastructure The successful implementation of dynamic wireless charging road infrastructure requires the support

and involvement of governments and policymakers. Governments can play a crucial role in funding research and development projects, providing incentives for electric vehicle adoption, and creating regulations and standards to ensure interoperability and safety. Collaboration between governments, road authorities, vehicle manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders is essential for the effective deployment of dynamic wireless charging road technology. By working together, they can address the challenges associated with infrastructure development, establish charging standards, and create a supportive ecosystem for electric motoring.

Conclusion: The potential of dynamic wireless charging roads in revolutionizing electric motoring Roads that charge electric vehicles as they drive hold immense potential in revolutionizing the electric motoring industry. By overcoming the limitations of traditional charging infrastructure, dynamic wireless charging roads can make electric vehicles more practical, convenient, and accessible to a wider audience. While there are challenges to overcome, ongoing projects and developments in dynamic wireless charging road technology demonstrate that this concept is not merely a distant dream. With the right investments, collaboration, and support from governments and policymakers, dynamic wireless charging roads could become the true future of electric motoring, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable transportation system.

E-BIKE NEWS 26

1,400 NEW E-BIKES added to LONDON’S SANTANDER CYCLES SCHEME This summer, London’s Santander Cycles scheme will add a whopping 1,400 new e-bikes to its fleet, increasing it from 600 to 2,000 in an effort to promote active transportation. This expansion aims to make e-bikes more easily accessible to a wider range of people. Additionally, starting in March, Santander Cycles will introduce a new day pass for just £3, allowing unlimited rentals under 30 minutes within a 24-hour period. These affordable rates make e-bikes a budget-friendly option for navigating the UK capital. This strategic decision was made in response to user feedback requesting more economical pricing. Since its launch in 2022, the e-bike rental program has been a success, with over 750,000 rentals and double the daily usage of traditional bikes, proving that Londoners have enthusiastically embraced this

eco-friendly alternative. The new e-bikes will be dispersed across key locations in central London to ensure accessibility for all. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is a strong advocate for the e-bike movement, stating, “I’m thrilled to announce that we are adding 1,400 new e-bikes to our fleet, nearly tripling the number available for rental. The popularity of e-bikes since their introduction has been undeniable, and they help to break down barriers that may prevent some people from cycling. The new day pass rate will also make Santander bikes one of the most affordable ways to travel in the capital. I am committed to creating a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous London for everyone, and Santander Cycles plays a crucial role in making active transportation accessible to all.” Santander UK’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Sherwood, also praised the scheme, saying: “It’s fantastic to see so many people choosing to get

around in a healthy and sustainable way.”

With the introduction of more e-bikes and new tariffs, I am excited that the Santander Cycles scheme will be even more accessible and affordable for all.” As London gears up for a cycling revolution, Santander Cycles is positioned as a key player in the effort to create a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible urban landscape. The addition of new e-bikes and the introduction of the affordable day pass is expected to make pedal power the preferred choice for navigating the bustling metropolis. Speaking about the news, David Eddington, TFL’s Head of Cycle Hire, commented: “Santander Cycles is an essential part of London’s transportation system, and we are always looking for ways to improve the scheme and make it more accessible. The usage of e-bikes in the capital

is at an all-time high, and these new additions will allow even more people to take advantage of them. “We have also taken into account customer feedback regarding fare tariffs and are introducing a Day Pass to provide certainty about the overall cost of using the scheme for those making multiple journeys in a day. “Santander Cycles has played a critical role in encouraging more people to cycle, and we look forward to seeing more Londoners utilizing both e-bikes and traditional bikes to create a greener and healthier future for everyone in the city.”

EV bike brand MAEVING named in UK’S TOP 3 BEST BUSINESSES in and charged as easily as a smartphone. With its facility based in Bingley, Coventry, Maeving is helping the Midlands lead the charge to meet global emissions targets, by making EVs an accessible choice for modern commuters. Maeving was founded in 2018 by Seb Inglis-Jones and Will Stirrup. Since launching in April 2022, the Maeving RM1 has been the nation’s best-reviewed electric motorcycle.

The Startups 100 index has released its 2024 lineup and electric motorcycle company Maeving has placed third on the index.

Maeving, the first British electric motorcycle manufacturer, is revolutionising urban travel with its innovative EVs that can be plugged

The Startups 100 Index is now in its sixteenth year, and champions disruptive new UK businesses to watch. The 2024 index spans all industries, with the final list championing a huge range of inventive and original ideas.

In previous years, the Startups 100 index has predicted the success of huge names such as Monzo, Deliveroo and Notonthehighstreet, so it is an extraordinary achievement for Maeving to have ranked on this renowned list. Managing Editor of Startups.co.uk, Richard Parris, commented: “The ingenuity and innovation of the brands featuring in our annual Startups 100 index never ceases to amaze, and this year is no exception. Despite the crises of the past couple of years, we’ve seen some incredible businesses from every corner of the UK in our rankings. Maeving has the potential to be as disruptive for motorcycles as Tesla has been for cars, and we’re thrilled to identify Maeving as one of the UK’s top new businesses to watch.”

27 E-BIKES

E are the CHAMPIONS!

E-Champ is an electric bike brand based out of Olney, Buckinghamshire, that has supplied e-bikes to a whole host of famous faces. Here is everything you need to know about them. It is hard to imagine a global electric bike brand being based out of a small shop on the high street of little old Olney. The small town in Buckinghamshire is home to a number of quaint little businesses, from bakeries to florists, and it is the perfect embodiment of a classic, British village. Whilst the majority of Olney is a snapshot of what life was like in the past, one company based on the high street is very much the future. E-Champ Electric Bikes, or E-Champ Tech, is an e-bike manufacturer that has already built up quite the reputation in the industry. It’s fat-tyre electric bikes catch the eye of everyone walking past the showroom window, but they have also caught the attention of electric bike enthusiasts worldwide. The bikes, which are fitted with a 250-watt Bafang motor and a detachable battery, offer a perfect, zero-emission mobility solution, with a fullyelectric range of up to 50 miles and an assisted top speed of 25mph. Inspired by classic British design, the bikes also feature a retro front headlamp with full beam adjustment and a hand-crafted café racer seat, which is produced just round the corner in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

There is certainly a local feel to the company, but it has a global presence, too. Not only are the bikes available in Selfridges, but Formula One driver Esteban Ocon is also an advocate of the bikes. The Alpine man had his very own E-Champ 66 delivered to him last year for the Silverstone Grand Prix, which he used for making his way around the grounds. E-Champ will also be delivering a limited edition ‘31’ model to Esteban in time for the start of the 2024 F1 season later this month. E-Champ currently offers three different models, including the 66, the E-Champ RAW and E-Champ JPS. The 66 model comes in either British racing green, Silverstone racing silver or Laguna Black, and start from £4,990. For the 66, Bafang has kitted the bike out with the display unit, high-tech controller, super sensor and 5 speed electric power pedal assist. The JPS models are painted in Black and Gold, inspired by the iconic JPS Formula 1 car driven by Ayrton Senna and Emerson Fittipaldi. Both bikes are fitted with a detachable 48-volt battery, with a charge time of just four hours. They are also complete with front and rear Shimano hi-tech disc brakes, and a Shimano hydraulic braking system. The E-Champ RAW bikes, which are the entry level models, are available in orange, grey or ivory, and start from £2,990. All E-Champ electric bikes come with a five-year warranty, and a lifetime warranty for the frame, too.

The bikes have proven popular all over the world, stretching from the Middle East right to E-Champs’ doorstep, with a number of Northampton Saints rugby legends, including Matt Dawson, Paul Grayson and Lewis Ludlam, purchasing their very own E-Champ electric bikes. They’ve gone down well with other customers, too. The E-Champ website is littered with glowing reviews, with one happy rider describing her bike as “the Porsche of e-bikes.” Not bad, huh? From the outside, E-Champ Electric Bikes may look like a small showroom situated on a picturesque little high street, but once you step inside, it is a gateway to the future of electrification.

BEST ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT CES 2024 THE

In this special feature, we break down the five best electric vehicle announcements from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, which took place last month in Las Vegas.

CES 2024 30

KIA ANNOUNCES THREE NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT CES 2024 Kia showcased three new electric cars at CES 2024 as part of the brands new Platform Beyond Vehicle business strategy.

helping to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.

The three, new electric vehicles consisted of the PV1, the smallest product in the line-up, which is optimised for agile and short-distance logistics transportation, using driving modules to minimise turning radius even in narrow spaces.

“Kia’s PBV business represents our vision of going beyond the traditional concept of automobiles by fulfilling the unmet needs of diverse customers and communities through optimised vehicles and services catering to specific market and business circumstances,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO.

The Kia PV5 will be a versatile EV optimised for major domains such as hailing, delivery and utilities that features conversion capability for diverse customer needs. Lastly, the PV7 will be the largest product in the line-up, defined by more interior space, greater driving range, and enhanced functionalities. Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy was presented alongside a multiphase plan that will see PBVs revolutionise the mobility industry while

“Kia PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customercentric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses. We are excited to show that we are fully prepared to become the first mover in the global PBV market,” he added.

31 CES 2024

HONDA REVEALS ‘0 SERIES’ WITH TWO NEW EV CONCEPTS In 2026, Honda will launch the “Honda 0 Series,” a new EV series for global markets, starting from the North American market. The announcement of the ‘0 Series’ also included the world premiere of two concept models, namely Saloon and Space-Hub. The Saloon is the flagship concept model of the Honda 0 Series, which embodies the “Thin, Light, and Wise” approach. In developing the Honda 0 Series, the development team went back to the starting point of Honda and reconsidered what kind of EVs Honda wants to create in the coming era. Honda will strive to create new value for EVs by transcending the constraints of being a “thick and heavy” vehicle due to

an increase in battery capacity the vehicle has to carry to secure enough range, as well as a large body and platform necessary to accommodate such battery capacity. Honda describes this new approach to EV development as “Thin, Light, and Wise.” Under the common design language of the Honda 0 Series, the Space-Hub was developed under the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives.” Also based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub offers a “flexible space that immediately accommodates what the users want to do, and becomes a hub that connects people to people and people to society, generating mutual resonance with each other.”

CES 2024 32

SUPERNAL DEBUTS EVTOL PRODUCT CONCEPT Supernal LLC unveiled the S-A2, its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle product concept at CES 2024. S-A2 is a V-tail aircraft designed to cruise 120 miles-per-hour at a 1,500-foot altitude to meet typical city operation needs of 25- to 40-mile trips, initially. It features a distributed electric propulsion architecture and has eight alltilting rotors. At entry into service, Supernal’s vehicle will operate as quietly as a dishwasher: 65 dB in vertical take-off and landing phases and 45 dB while cruising horizontally. S-A2 builds on the Company’s vision concept, S-A1, which it debuted at CES 2020, bringing together the innovative aerospace engineering and Hyundai Motor Group automotive aesthetic design to create a new mode of transportation to get people in urban areas from point A to point B

faster. Supernal will achieve commercial aviation safety levels and enable affordable manufacturing of its vehicles as it prepares to enter the market in 2028. “From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the right product and the right market at the right time,” said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry. By leveraging our talented 600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.”

33 CES 2024

MERCEDES-BENZ CLA CONCEPT MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT The Mercedes-Benz CLA concept made its North American debut at CES 2024. Designed on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), it redefines an entire class with its innovative electric drive and forwardlooking sustainability. The Concept CLA Class is the new hypermiler for the electric age. It is capable of a predicted single-charge range of more than 466 miles (WLTP) and energy consumption of around 12 kWh/100 km. This comes from a new electric drive unit (MB.EDU), which has an 800-volt architecture and 93-percent efficiency battery to wheels over long distances. It enables high-power 300+ kW DC charging including a 50 kW boost, which can deliver up to 248 miles (400 km) of range in 15 minutes. There will be a

total of four models based on the MMA – a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two SUVs. The CLA concept will be the first vehicle to run on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) that has been developed from scratch in-house. “With our MB.OS, world-class collaborations and the latest developments in generative AI, we are transforming the relationship our customers have with their Mercedes-Benz. Our digital advances on show at CES 2024 are proof points on our journey towards the hyper-personalised Mercedes-Benz user experience,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer.

B-ON AND ITS NEW ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE Clean mobility provider B-ON demonstrated its Pelkan electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) at CES 2024. Pelkan, the first offering in the company’s next-generation lineup of productive vehicles and tools, will be available in both 54 and 43 kWh variants starting later in the year. The Pelkan is expected to achieve a classleading payload of 2,720 – 2,910 lbs (1,234 - 1,320 kg) combined with a long battery range of up to 185 miles and is designed to be more ergonomic for drivers and more cost-competitive for business owners than comparable offerings in its class. At the CES launch event, B–ON’s CEO Bruno Lambert, who co-founded the company in 2020, shared his insights into the importance of productivity in

the transportation industry. Under his leadership, B–ON is poised for a new wave of growth, focused on innovation that aligns with market demands. “Productivity is not just a metric for us; it’s a philosophy that drives our commitment to creating vehicles that enhance efficiency and profitability,” said Lambert. “That’s why we are also proudly showcasing our commitment to the #SpaceForCities campaign and urging colleagues, partners and peers to join the movement.” Highlighting its commitment to urban sustainability, B–ON proudly supports the #SpaceForCities movement, advocating for more efficient vehicle utilization. The company showcased this initiative at CES, emphasizing the importance of productivity in reducing the number of delivery vehicles on the road, ultimately creating more space in cities.

EV RESEARCH 34

RECORD RATE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE POINT INSTALLATION IN 2023

Zapmap, the UK’s leading charge point mapping service, has published new year-end figures for EV charge point installations in 2023. Record growth in the number of ultra-rapid chargers and high-power charging hubs opening across the country to support EV drivers on longer journeys is the defining characteristic of the year. Other pieces of the puzzle, however – from the regional distribution of high-powered devices through to encouraging growth in low-powered, on-street chargers – can also be seen in the Zapmap data. Indeed, the new 2023 charging statistics show year-on-year growth of 45% in the total number of net new public chargers installed across the UK. The figure is up from 31% for the years 2021 to 2022. The increase in the rate of charger installation last year was clear to see. In October, the UK passed the significant milestone of 50,000 public charging points, having only surpassed the 40,000 mark in February 2023. Furthermore, 2023 saw the rate of net new chargers increase to almost 1,400 devices every month – up from 730 net new devices each month in 2022. This represents growth of 89% in the pace of monthly charge points installations. Zapmap’s new charging statistics come alongside the start of the ZEV mandate and news from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders confirming record sales of new pure-electric cars in 2023. A total of almost 315,000 pure-electric cars were sold in the UK last year, which means there are 51% more EVs on the road than at the end of 2022. In parallel, the number of high-powered chargers grew by 52% in 2023, to a total of almost 10,500 devices across more than 5,000 locations at the end of December.

Most of the growth was from ultra-rapid chargers providing 100kW or more of power. Designed for drivers looking to recharge their vehicle as quickly as possible on longer journeys, these devices can add roughly 100 miles of charge in about 15 minutes. At the end of 2020, the 788 devices in the UK of 100kW or more accounted for 20% of the country’s high-powered chargers. By the end of December 2023, there were almost 4,870 of these ultra-rapid chargers, comprising a significant 46% of high-powered devices across the country. Furthermore, the year-on-year growth in the number of UK charging hubs – more than six rapid or ultra rapid devices – rose from 108 at the end of December 2022 up to 264 by the end of 2023 – an increase of 145%. These charging hubs are opening in a variety of locations, typically near strategic road networks. Interestingly only 20% are located at motorway services, and charging hubs can be found in a variety of locations from retail parks, car parks, fuel stations to dedicated charging areas which provide amenities for EV drivers. While a recent Zapmap survey revealed electric car drivers’ best en-route charging networks, the company’s latest figures illustrate encouraging developments in the UK’s regional distribution of high-powered charging devices. Since 2022, Greater London, South East and South West have joined Scotland in having more than 1,000 rapid / ultra rapid chargers available, and nearly all

geographical areas of the UK displayed good growth, notably Northern Ireland, albeit from a low base. At the other end of the charging spectrum, low powered chargers to support those without charging points at home has also grown – there are 72% more on-street chargers than there were this time last year, although the rollout is regionally patchy and largely dependent on the engagement at a local authority level. In 2023, however, there was good progress in the rollout of the governments £450m LEVI scheme to support local authorities, and it is expected that 2024 will see further developments in this area. Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said: “Overall 2023 was a very good year for EV charging with the rate of installation showing record growth, particularly for the higher-powered chargers to support EV drivers on longer journeys. Zapmap’s focus continues to be on providing EV drivers with the information they need to find reliable, available charging when they are out and about. Whilst less than 3% of EV drivers would go back to petrol / diesel, we know that EV drivers want more chargers and a better charger experience. As we move into 2024 we look forward to continued progress in both these areas as more and more drivers make the positive move to driving electric.”

35 OPINION

“

Getting driver adoption wrong could cost businesses and spike emissions

”

Businesses could be putting their sustainability goals at risk if they do not handle EV adoption carefully, warns Volkswagen Financial Services Fleet. Fleet adoption of EVs is continuing at pace – with 67% of all battery electric car sales in 2022purchased by fleets and businesses. Despite this, employers need to be wary of EV-only policies to reduce emissions before drivers are on board, as they could have the opposite effect. Many drivers are still unsure of the new technology, as well as having concerns about range and charging anxiety.

“Of course, the intention behind switching to an EV-only car policy is wellmeaning. However, there will be drivers who don’t want an EV or who might feel it’s too difficult to live with. And if employees feel pushed into having an EV before they’re ready, and there’s a cash allowance alternative in place, there’s a chance they’ll opt out of the EV scheme and choose this instead.” David Watts, Fleet Product Manager for Electric Vehicles at VWFS Fleet commented: “Although the transition to EVs is a future inevitability, for many fleets, this is still a work in progress. If employers

Incentivising vs. enforcing – push EVs too quickly, without a clear and effective driver adoption strategy and policies in place it can have a number of unintended adverse sustainability consequences. “Of course, the intention behind switching to an EV-only car policy is well-meaning. However, there will be drivers who don’t want an EV or who might feel it’s too difficult to live with. And if employees feel pushed into having an EV before they’re ready, and there’s a cash allowance alternative in place, there’s a chance they’ll opt out of the EV scheme and choose this instead. “This is obviously concerning, as employers have less control over the vehicles employees choose under a cash allowance scheme, and the average vehicle selected will typically be significantly older and more polluting than those offered under company car schemes. A lot of that is down to cost. “What this means is that while an EV-only car scheme on paper looks great for reducing a business’ Scope 1 (direct) emissions, employers are likely to actually see an increase in Scope 2 & 3 (indirect) emissions instead. The net result will actually likely see businesses worse off from a sustainability perspective than if they’d allowed people to access an ICE through the company car scheme in the first place.”

the route to reduced emissions

Instead of pushing for EV-only company cars at this stage, David suggests there are a number ofalternative strategies that employers can adopt to reduce all emissions (beyond just Scope 1) more effectively. “Importantly, resolving this issue isn’t just about removing the cash allowance benefit, as this can have a number of adverse effects on employee engagement. Instead, employers should look at how they can add an element of control to the vehicles they allow to be driven for business purposes. For example, this may include tightening up the criteria of vehicles that employees can claim mileage on by introducing a maximum age and maximum emissions. “Ultimately, though, getting EV adoption right is all about driver engagement. Employers need to be proactive about this by gathering feedback from employees, conducting surveys and educating drivers on EVs and the reality of living with them. They also need to openly communicate the benefits of EVs and take the time to carefully dispel the myths surrounding them. “Once you have driver buy-in, you can begin to increase EV uptake through company car schemes, without risking an increase in the uptake of cash allowance schemes,” concludes David. VWFS Fleet has a number of tools to help businesses and drivers make the switch to electric vehicles.

Want more control of your business budgeting?

This is Jasmin. She’s one of many business owners who already use a smart meter to feel more in control of their budgeting, because smart meters help you track your energy use and costs over time.

So like Jasmin, you can spend less time guessing and instead know how much you’re spending on your energy bills. Search ‘get a smart meter’ today.

Eligibility may vary. Consumer action required. ALBERT EINSTEIN rights licensed by the H.U.J./BEN Group, Inc.

HARNESSING HOPE:

Why Teaching Future Generations about Renewable Energy is Crucial for a Greener Tomorrow + The latest news and updates for everything Electric Home

NEWS 38

OVER 1,000 NEW JOBS to be created as AESC receives £200M LOAN loan for NEW GIGAFACTORY AESC, a prominent electric battery manufacturer, is gearing up to create hundreds of new jobs this year. With the backing of a £200m government loan, the company is moving forward with plans to establish a state-of-the-art gigafactory. This initiative signals a significant boost to the local economy and underscores AESC’s commitment to innovation and growth. Sunderland’s AESC is ramping up with a massive £450m project, constructing its second plant. Teaming up with Nissan and Sunderland City Council, they’re turbocharging the regional economy and strengthening the UK’s EV supply chain. With over a decade operating in the North East, the Japanese firm has been a cornerstone, churning out EV batteries for Nissan. Since it began, it has doubled in size, boasting a workforce of over 470 in Sunderland alone. The existing 1.8GWh facility, inaugurated in 2012, stands as the UK’s sole operational gigafactory, a testament to its pioneering role in driving the nation’s electric mobility revolution. The UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), backed by HM Treasury, is providing a £200m bridging loan, earmarked to bolster AESC’s development of its cutting-edge 15.8GWh gigafactory. This new facility is poised to manufacture lithiumion batteries, tailored for the next wave of UKmanufactured EVs. It’s a strategic investment that not only propels AESC forward, but also propels the nation toward a greener automotive future. UK INFRASTRUCTURE BANK CEO, JOHN FLINT SAID; “A domestic battery supply chain will play an important role in the UK’s transition to net zero and also the wider economy, as highlighted in the Government’s recently published Battery Strategy. Gigafactories are an essential part of that supply chain. They also have the potential to secure and create thousands of jobs, but serious investment is needed to scale up production. This loan signals the Bank’s appetite to play a meaningful role in the financing of the domestic battery supply chain and that we are ready and willing to deploy capital where it is needed for this crucial Net Zero infrastructure.” The new gigafactory’s footprint rivals 23 football pitches and boasts a staggering 14,000 km of mains cables. Once operational, it’s set to spark over 1,000 jobs.

The UKIB emphasised that the project aligns with the Government’s Battery Strategy mission to combat climate change while driving local and

regional economic prosperity. Domestic battery production is deemed pivotal for the future of UK car manufacturing and the journey toward Net Zero. Recent projections underscore the urgency, estimating a requirement of approximately 200GWh by 2040 to fulfil demand from car manufacturers. AESC manufactures EV and energy storage batteries worldwide. UKIB’s financing focuses on bolstering the Sunderland facility, highlighting the UK’s pivotal role in advancing electric vehicle technology.

39 NEWS

ELON MUSK: Tesla energy storage now growing ‘much faster than car business’ Tesla boss Elon Musk said growth in its energy storage operation will outpace its iconic car business this year after deployments more than doubled, with EV volume expansion set to stall in 2024. The US company led by billionaire CEO Musk saw energy storage – including its utility-scale Megapack batteries – hit 14.7GWh of deployments last year, a 125% boost on 2022’s figure. Musk told investors on a call to discuss its latest quarterly results: “I think we’ll continue to see very strong growth in storage, as predicted. “I said for many years that the storage business would grow much faster than the car business, and it is doing that.”

Tesla’s kit has over the last five years been used at some of the world’s largest battery energy storage projects, most recently with a major deployment in Hawaii that claimed to be the most advanced of its type globally. Musk has long forecast steep growth for storage, fuelled by the need to integrate variable renewable energy sources into the grid, and to help balance supply and demand created by electrification – and not least by Tesla’s own EVs.

UK USE OF FOSSIL FUELS for electricity falls to lowest level since 1957 The drop means the last time the UK used such little gas and coal was 1957, when the Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney had just met for the first time. Back then, the population was 51 million compared with roughly 67 million now - and fossil fuels still supplied 97% of the UK’s electricity.

Renewables provided 43% of electricity last year, and nuclear 13%. Carbon Brief attributed the fall from the peak to a rapid scale of wind power, as well as solar and contentious bioenergy, and a reduction in demand.

The nation’s electricity generation from fossil fuels then peaked at 303TWh in 2008, falling to 104TWh in 2023 - the same level as in 1957.

The falling electricity demand is down to a combination of more efficient appliances and lighting, high prices driven by expensive gas, and changes to a “serviceled rather than manufacturing-heavy economy”, it said.

That’s why fossil fuels delivered a record low share of electricity in 2023 at 33%, the science and policy website said.

It added demand is expected to rise again as petrol and diesel cars and gas boilers are increasingly replaced by electric vehicles and heat pumps. But David Whitehouse, CEO of industry body Offshore Energies UK, said electricity is “just one part of the UK’s overall energy picture - we mustn’t forget the UK still gets 75% of its overall energy mix from oil and gas”. That includes the 85% of homes with gas boilers and 38 million vehicles that run on petrol or diesel, he said. Jess Ralston, from energy and climate thinktank ECIU, said the switch from fossil fuels to renewables is “a global, not just UK, phenomenon”. The UK shift was accelerated by renewables “undercutting coal and gas simply on price” - supported by “strong government policy”, she said, and by the gas crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The bullish stance on energy storage came as Tesla warned it could see a downturn in automotive. The company told investors: “In 2024, our vehicle volume growth rate may be notably lower than the growth rate achieved in 2023, as our teams work on the launch of the next-generation vehicle at Gigafactory Texas. “In 2024, the growth rate of deployments and revenue in our Energy Storage business should outpace the Automotive business.”

The amount of electricity generated by gas and coal tumbled by 20% last year, according to new analysis by Carbon Brief. But the UK has “missed opportunities”, she added. “Onshore wind is one of the cheapest sources of power, but despite promises from government, the de facto ban still hasn’t properly been lifted.” She warned issues connecting new clean projects to the grid also needed resolving. A spokesperson for the department for energy security and net zero (DESNZ) said: “We are committed to meeting our net zero targets and continue to lead the world in cutting emissions. “This has been supported by our first public investment in nuclear power for more than three decades, alongside a 500 per cent increase in renewable electricity capacity since 2010, and driving the biggest reform to our grid since the 1950s - speeding up grid connections, supporting thousands of jobs and reducing bills in the longterm for families. “We continue to back the UK’s oil and gas industry as it underpins our energy security, supports up to 200,000 jobs, and will unlock billions in tax revenue over the next five years to support the transition to net zero.” They said updates to the National Planning Policy Framework could speed up onshore wind projects if there is local support, but would take time to come into effect.

NEWS 40

SOLAR PANELS PROJECT to cut schools’ energy bills An academy chain will install solar panels on 17 Bradford schools in a bid to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The work by the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust aims to prevent 390 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year, as well as reducing the schools’ energy bills. It is hoped work will be completed by spring. Several planning applications for the solar panels have been submitted and approved in the past two months. The project is being completed in partnership with Solar for Schools, a non-profit nationwide organisation working with more than 200 schools to reduce carbon emissions. Two of the trust’s academies – Clayton St John on Bradford Road and The Academy at St James on Chelwood Drive in Allerton, began installing the panels earlier this month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The remaining schools will start installations over the course of this term, with the aim of all schools having solar panels by April.

themed assemblies, workshops and classroom projects. They will be given regular updates showing how much energy is being generated at each school and will watch live-streamed maintenance visits as the panels are serviced. Carol Dewhurst, chief executive at the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said: “I am thrilled to see our solar panels being installed across our schools this term, which is just one piece of the puzzle in our mission towards net zero. “Together, each of our academies has made the commitment to become eco-schools and I am so proud to be leading a trust that is working to better our planet whilst teaching pupils the importance of sustainability.” Ann Flaherty, UK director at Solar for Schools, said: “Getting solar onto school roofs empowers students.

ECO SCHOOLS

“It helps them realise they can do something locally to reduce carbon, and that’s helping nationally to meet targets, which helps to globally reduce our emissions.”

As part of the programme, pupils across the trust will learn about renewable energy through solar-

Read more about Renewable energy teaching in schools on pages 46-49.

BATTERY to store electricity for 90,000 DERBYSHIRE HOMES A facility to store electricity is being built near Buxton to take pressure off the National Grid. It will store surplus electricity generated from green sources like wind turbines and feed it back into the grid when demand is high. The Buxton Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will have the capacity to store enough energy to power 90,000 homes for two hours. Atlantic Green is building the facility at Waterswallows and it is expected to be fully functional by May. Managing director Nick Bradford said if surplus electricity was not stored then renewable sources might need to be turned off or have their output reduced. He said: “You then have to look at other sources of generation in the UK which might not be so green. “The Buxton BESS Project will contribute to improving grid stability and pave the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future.

“We take pride in contributing to Derbyshire’s efforts in tackling climate challenges and supporting the UK in reaching its net-zero targets, ensuring energy security for the future.” The BESS project will have the capacity to store enough energy to power 90,000 homes for two hours. As more power comes from wind and solar, the need for these batteries and similar storage sites is expected to grow. Atlantic Green project manager Sam Currie said: “The battery energy storage market in the UK and globally is growing. “We’ve also got sites cropping up where you have got a core location. So you will have wind farms or solar farms for example and there will be a battery farm put alongside them to store the green energy that is produced.”

41 NEWS UK GOVERNMENT plans further NUCLEAR POWER EXPANSION The government is exploring plans to build a new large-scale nuclear plant, despite concerns about delays to existing projects. Ministers say the project would be the biggest expansion of the sector in 70 years, reducing reliance on overseas supply. The new plant would quadruple energy supplies by 2050, they say. But concerns have been raised, with existing nuclear projects already behind schedule and over-budget. The government’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap is intended to bolster the UK’s energy independence by exploring a new site for another nuclear power station of the size and scale of the £30bn plants under construction at Hinkley Point in Somerset and committed to Sizewell in Suffolk. Industry sources have told the BBC the leading candidates would include Wylfa on Anglesey or Moorside in Cumbria. Thursday’s announcement also pledged £300m to produce nuclear reactor fuel in the UK, currently only commercially produced in Russia, which it said would lower bills and improve energy security. But recent nuclear projects have been beset by delays, cost overruns and in the case of Sizewell C, continuing local opposition. In total, the government has now earmarked more than £1bn for the Sizewell C project, building on its original £700m stake as part of its plan to rapidly expand the UK’s nuclear energy sector. The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) said all clean energy needed fast-tracking. Nuclear power currently provides around 15% of the UK’s electricity but many of the country’s ageing reactors are due to be decommissioned over the next decade. Progress can be slow - to get from planning to “power on” can take nearly 20 years. Consultations for Sizewell took 10 years alone. The majority of construction there is yet to start and strong local opposition to the project remains. The government will hope to address such problems by streamlining the development of new power stations. By introducing smarter regulation it anticipates it will be able to deliver new nuclear power plants faster.

Jack Abbott, an expert in the clean energy sector, who is also a Labour candidate in the neighbouring constituency to Sizewell, said the government had been “dragging their feet” on nuclear for too long. “Fourteen years and not one new site opened, despite inheriting 10 approved sites from the last Labour government. Labour supports expanding the UK’s nuclear power fleet, which must form a critical part of our future energy mix,” Mr Abbott said. The REA is also sceptical. It said the government had been exploring a new private-led nuclear plant for years. However, the association did commend the government on its plans to commit £300m to produce reactor fuel in the UK. Policy director Frank Gordon added: “We need to accelerate the deployment of all clean energy sources, especially renewable power from diverse sources, plus supporting the roll-out

of the much-needed clean technologies, energy storage working at all scales and duration.” But the government said the plans would also support thousands of jobs, as well as “pushing Putin out of the global market” to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said nuclear was the “perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain”. Of the two consultations being published on Thursday one will focus on “a new approach” to siting future nuclear power stations, empowering developers to find suitable locations. The other will lead on encouraging private investment. “Community engagement will remain critical to any decisions, alongside maintaining robust criteria such as nearby population densities,” the government said. Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, welcomed the publication of the roadmap and streamlined regulation but said the UK needed to develop both large and small nuclear generation “at scale and at pace”.

SOLAR PANELS 42

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, you may be wondering how many panels you will need to meet your energy needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors that determine the number of solar panels required, from energy consumption and sunlight exposure to panel efficiency and budget considerations.

1. Energy Usage Factors That Determine How Many Solar Panels You Need The first step in determining how

Determining the number of solar panels needed for your home is not a onesize-fits-all calculation. Several factors come into play, including your energy usage, the amount of sunlight your area receives, the efficiency and output of the solar panels, and your budget.

many solar panels you need is to understand your household’s energy consumption. This can be found on your monthly electric bills and is measured in kilowatthours (kWh). The more electricity you use, the more solar power you

will need to generate. Conversely, if you have an energy-efficient home with LED light bulbs, energy-saving appliances, and proper insulation, you may require fewer solar panels.

2. Sunlight Exposure The amount of sunlight your home receives is another crucial factor in determining the number of solar panels needed. Sunlight exposure is measured in peak sun hours, which represent the intensity of sunlight at a given location. Areas with more sunlight will require fewer solar panels to meet energy needs, while regions with limited sunlight will require more panels.

can produce more electricity with fewer panels, while lower-efficiency panels require more surface area to generate the same amount of power.

4. Budget Considerations Your budget will also play a role in determining the number of solar panels you can install. Solar panel systems can vary in cost, and the size of the system you can afford will depend on your budget. It’s essential to consider not only the initial installation cost but also any additional equipment, such as inverters and batteries, which may be necessary for optimal energy production and storage.

Calculating the Number of Solar Panels You Need Not all solar panels are created equal 3. Solar Panel Efficiency

in terms of efficiency. Panel efficiency refers to the amount of electricity a panel can generate from the sunlight it receives. Higher-efficiency panels

Now that we understand the factors that influence the number of solar panels needed, let’s explore how to calculate the exact quantity for your home.

43 SOLAR PANELS Step 1: Determine Energy Usage To begin, review your monthly electric bills to find your average energy consumption in kilowatthours (kWh). This will give you an idea of how much electricity your solar panels will need to generate to meet your needs. Keep in mind that energy consumption can vary throughout the year, so it’s essential to consider both monthly and annual usage.

Step 2: Assess Sunlight Exposure

the energy generated per month. Remember to convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1,000.

Step 4: Determine the Number of Solar Panels Finally, divide your energy consumption by the energy generated by a single solar panel to arrive at the number of panels needed. This calculation will give you a rough estimate, but it’s always recommended to consult with a solar professional for a more accurate assessment.

Next, evaluate the amount of sunlight your location receives. This can be determined by examining the average peak sun hours for your region. Areas with more sunlight, such as the southwestern United States, will require fewer solar panels compared to regions with less sunlight, like the northeast.

Step 3: Calculate Solar Panel Output Once you have your energy consumption and sunlight exposure, you can calculate the output of a single solar panel in your area. Multiply the wattage of the panel by the peak sun hours to determine

Example Calculation

Conclusion

Let’s walk through an example calculation to illustrate the process. Suppose your average monthly energy consumption is 900 kWh, and your location receives an average of 4 peak sun hours per day.

Determining the number of solar panels needed for your home involves considering several factors, including energy usage, sunlight exposure, panel efficiency, and budget considerations. By carefully calculating these elements, you can tailor your solar system to meet your energy goals and maximize savings. Remember to consult with a solar professional to ensure an accurate assessment and a successful installation.

1. Determine the energy generated by a single solar panel: • Assuming a 400-watt panel: 400 watts x 4 peak sun hours = 1,600 watt-hours per day • Convert to kilowatt-hours: 1,600 watt-hours / 1,000 = 1.6 kWh per day 2. Calculate the number of solar panels needed: • Divide energy consumption by energy generated per panel: 900 kWh / 1.6 kWh = 562.5 panels • Round up to the nearest whole number: 563 panels

Investing in solar panels not only reduces your reliance on fossil fuels but also provides long-term financial benefits. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate clean and renewable energy while reducing your carbon footprint. Take the first step towards a greener, more sustainable future by exploring the potential of solar power for your home today.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING 44

HOW TO EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE

LIVING IN YOUR HOME IN 2024 As we enter 2024, it is becoming increasingly important to embrace sustainable living practices in our homes. Not only do these practices benefit the environment, but they also have the potential to save money, increase property value, and appeal to environmentally conscious tenants. There are various eco-friendly measures that you can implement to create a greener and more sustainable home:

HARNESS THE POWER OF SOLAR ENERGY One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills is by installing solar panels on your roof. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power that can provide electricity for your home. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional power grids and lower your energy costs.

Another important step towards sustainable living is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. LED lighting, smart thermostats, and Energy Star-rated devices consume less electricity and help to reduce your carbon

UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

footprint. By replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient alternatives, you can significantly decrease your energy consumption and contribute to a greener future.

The Energy.gov website provides a wealth of information on energy-efficient options for home appliances. By making these upgrades, you not only save money on your energy bills but also support the environment.

CREATE A GREEN OASIS WITH A ROOFTOP GARDEN

Transforming your rooftop into a green oasis is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally beneficial. Green roofs help insulate your home, reduce energy consumption, and provide a habitat for wildlife. By embracing this eco-friendly practice, you can contribute to urban biodiversity and create a more sustainable living space.

Rainwater harvesting is an effective way to conserve water and reduce your reliance on traditional water sources. By collecting rainwater in barrels or tanks, you can use it for various outdoor purposes such as watering your garden or washing your car. This eco-friendly practice not only helps to reduce water consumption but also lowers your water bill.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar panels can help homeowners generate their own electricity and save money in the long run. Additionally, solar energy systems have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

Organizations like Green Roofs for Healthy Cities offer resources and information on the benefits of green roofs. With proper planning and maintenance, you can create a beautiful and eco-friendly rooftop garden.

EMBRACE RAINWATER HARVESTING

Websites like Water – Use It Wisely provide information on how to set up a rainwater harvesting system. By implementing this sustainable practice, you can make a significant contribution to water conservation efforts.

START COMPOSTING KITCHEN SCRAPS Composting is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, you can turn them into valuable compost. Composting not only reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfill but also enriches your soil naturally.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers tips and guidance on how to start composting. By making composting a part of your daily routine, you can contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment.

OPT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY INSULATION MATERIALS

Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home and reducing energy consumption. By opting for eco-friendly insulation materials, such as recycled denim or cellulose, you can enhance the energy efficiency of your home while minimizing your environmental impact.

Websites like Green Building Supply offer a wide range of sustainable insulation options. By choosing eco-friendly insulation materials, you can keep your home cozy and reduce your carbon footprint.

CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE FLOORING OPTIONS When it comes to sustainable living, the choice of flooring material is crucial. Opting for sustainable flooring options, such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood, helps to conserve

natural resources and reduce environmental impact. These materials are not only durable but also add a touch of nature to your home.

Green America provides information on ecofriendly flooring choices and their benefits. By choosing sustainable flooring, you can create a beautiful and environmentally friendly living space.

INSTALL WATER-SAVING FIXTURES Conserving water is an essential part of sustainable living. By installing water-saving fixtures such as low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, you can significantly reduce your water consumption without sacrificing comfort. These fixtures help to conserve water and save money on your water bill.

Websites like WaterSense provide information on water-saving fixtures and tips. By making these small changes, you can make a big difference in water conservation efforts.

SWITCH TO ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that are not only damaging to the environment but also to our health. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products made from natural ingredients reduces the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and minimizes water pollution.

You can easily make your own natural cleaners by mixing vinegar, lemon juice, and bicarbonate of soda. This sustainable and cheaper alternative reduces the use of plastic packaging and promotes a healthier living environment.

IMPLEMENT SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Waste management is a crucial aspect of sustainable living. Implementing recycling programs, encouraging responsible disposal, and reducing waste generation are all effective

ways to minimize your environmental impact. By adopting a comprehensive waste management system, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

HARNESSING HOPE 46

Why Teaching Future Generations about Renewable Energy is Crucial for a Greener Tomorrow In a world grappling with the imminent threat of climate change, the need for renewable energy sources has become increasingly apparent. As we strive towards a greener future, educating younger generations about the importance of harnessing renewable energy is paramount. By teaching our children about solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, we instil in them a sense of hope and understanding of the possibilities for a sustainable tomorrow. By incorporating interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and real-world examples into the curriculum, educators can spark curiosity and nurture a passion for renewable energy among students.

The importance of renewable energy Renewable energy is the key to a sustainable future. Fossil fuel consumption has led to environmental degradation, air pollution, and the release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating the effects of climate change. Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is crucial to mitigate these issues and

transition towards a greener and more sustainable planet. Renewable energy offers numerous benefits beyond environmental preservation. It reduces dependency on fossil fuels, enhances energy security, creates job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and promotes economic growth. By teaching future generations about renewable energy, we equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

The role of education in promoting renewable energy Education plays a vital role in promoting renewable energy. By integrating renewable energy

concepts into the curriculum, we provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the importance and benefits of renewable energy sources. Education empowers students to become informed decision-makers, critical thinkers, and advocates for sustainable energy practices. Teaching about renewable energy not only raises awareness but also helps students develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment. It encourages them to question existing energy systems and explore alternative solutions. Education empowers students to challenge the status quo and envision a future where renewable energy is the norm rather than the exception.

Benefits of teaching future generations about renewable energy Teaching future generations about renewable energy offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it equips students with the knowledge to make informed

47 HARNESSING HOPE choices about their energy consumption. By understanding the environmental impact of different energy sources, students can actively reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in their daily lives.

cepts such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power require simplified explanations and hands-on activities to ensure understanding. Secondly, limited resources and outdated curricula may hinder the integration of renewable energy education into the classroom. Many schools lack the necessary equipment, materials, and trained teachers to effectively teach renewable energy concepts. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between educators, policymakers,

accurate information backed by scientific evidence to ensure a well-rounded understanding of renewable energy.

Strategies for integrating renewable

energy education into the curriculum Secondly, renewable energy education inspires students to become future innovators and entreIntegrating renewable energy education into the preneurs. By exposing them to the possibilities of curriculum requires a multi-faceted approach. renewable energy technology, we nurture their Firstly, it is essential to incorporate renewable creativity and problem-solving skills. This can energy concepts into existing subjects such as lead to the development of innovascience, technology, engineering, and tive solutions and advancements in Hands-on activities and experiments play a mathematics (STEM). This allows for renewable energy research and decrucial role in engaging students and fostering the seamless integration of renewavelopment. energy topics into the curriculum a deeper understanding of renewable energy ble without overwhelming teachers or Furthermore, teaching about renewconcepts. Building solar-powered cars, students. able energy fosters a sense of hope designing wind turbines, and constructing and optimism among students. It emSecondly, hands-on activities and powers them to believe in their abilmini hydroelectric power systems provide experiments play a crucial role in ity to make a positive impact on the tangible and interactive experiences that make engaging students and fostering a environment and fight against climate learning about renewable energy enjoyable deeper understanding of renewable change. By providing them with the energy concepts. Building solar-powand memorable. tools and knowledge to tackle these ered cars, designing wind turbines, global challenges, we instil in them a and constructing mini hydroelectric power sysand industry experts to develop comprehensive sense of agency and responsibility. tems provide tangible and interactive experiencand accessible resources for renewable energy es that make learning about renewable energy education. Challenges in teaching renewable enjoyable and memorable. Additionally, addressing misconceptions and energy to young learners biases surrounding renewable energy is crucial. Additionally, field trips and guest speakers from Teaching renewable energy to young learners Some students may have preconceived notions the renewable energy industry can provide represents its own set of challenges. Firstly, the or misinformation about renewable energy sourc- al-world contexts and inspire students. Visiting complex nature of renewable energy technology es, leading to resistance or skepticism. Educators solar farms, wind power plants, or hydropower may be difficult for young students to grasp. Con- must address these misconceptions and present stations allows students to witness renewable energy in action and understand its practical applications. Guest speakers can share their experiences and insights, providing students with valuable industry perspectives.

HARNESSING HOPE 48

standing of renewable energy concepts. They also foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for future innovators and advocates of renewable energy.

Resources and tools for teaching renewable energy Teaching renewable energy requires access to comprehensive resources and tools. Fortunately, there are numerous educational materials available to support educators in their efforts to teach renewable energy effectively. Here are some valuable resources and tools:

Hands-on activities and experiments to teach about renewable energy Hands-on activities and experiments are effective tools for teaching students about renewable energy. These activities not only make learning interactive and engaging but also enhance students’ understanding of renewable energy concepts. Here are a few examples of hands-on activities and experiments that can be incorporated into the curriculum: • Building a solar-powered oven: Students can construct a simple solar-powered oven using cardboard, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. This activity demonstrates the direct conversion of solar energy into heat energy and highlights the potential of solar power as a renewable energy source.

• Designing a wind turbine: Students can design and build their own wind turbines using everyday materials such as cardboard, straws, and paper cups. This activity allows them to explore the principles of wind energy and understand how wind turbines generate electricity. • Constructing a mini hydroelectric power system: Students can create a small-scale hydroelectric power system using water, a waterwheel or turbine, and a generator. This activity illustrates the conversion of potential energy in flowing water into electrical energy and showcases the viability of hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source. These hands-on activities provide students with practical experiences that reinforce their under-

• Renewable Energy Curriculum: Many organizations and government agencies offer comprehensive renewable energy curricula designed specifically for educators. These curricula provide lesson plans, activities, and assessments that align with national education standards and promote a deeper understanding of renewable energy. • Online Simulations and Virtual Labs: Virtual simulations and online labs allow students to explore renewable energy concepts in a virtual environment. These interactive tools provide students with hands-on experiences and enable them to experiment with different variables and scenarios. • Renewable Energy Kits: Renewable energy kits provide all the necessary materials and instructions for conducting hands-on experiments in the classroom. These kits often include solar panels, wind turbine models, and educational resources that facilitate experiential learning. • Educational Websites and Videos: There are numerous websites and online platforms ded-

49 HARNESSING HOPE icated to providing educational content on renewable energy. These resources offer videos, articles, and interactive modules that explain renewable energy concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.

in real-life situations. Collaborating with local organizations to install solar panels, conduct energy audits, or promote energy efficiency initiatives fosters a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement.

By utilizing these resources and tools, educators can enhance their teaching of renewable energy and provide students with enriching learning experiences.

Collaboration with the community and industry experts enriches the learning experience and provides students with a broader perspective on renewable energy and its applications.

Collaborating with the community and industry experts

Schools implementing renewable energy education

Collaboration with the community and industry experts is invaluable in teaching renewable energy. Schools can partner with local renewable energy companies, research institutions, and environmental organizations to provide students with real-world perspectives and experiences. Here are some ways to collaborate:

Several schools worldwide have successfully implemented renewable energy education into their curriculum, inspiring students and creating a positive impact on the environment.

One such success story is the UK’s Solar Schools program. This initiative enables schools to install solar panels on their premises, providing a practical example of renewable energy in action. Students actively participate in the process, from fundraising to monitoring the energy generated by the solar panels. The program not only reduces schools’ energy costs but also educates students about renewable energy and encourages sustainable practices. This success story, and others led by other countries demonstrate that with the right resources, support, and commitment, schools can effectively integrate renewable energy education into their curriculum and empower students to become agents of change.

• Guest Speakers: Inviting guest speakers from the renewable energy industry to share their knowledge and experiences can inspire students and provide valuable insights. These experts can discuss renewable energy technologies, career opportunities, and the importance of sustainable practices. • Field Trips: Organizing field trips to renewable energy facilities allows students to witness renewable energy generation firsthand. Visiting solar farms, wind power plants, or hydroelectric stations provides students with a deeper understanding of renewable energy technologies and their impact on the environment. • Community Projects: Engaging in community projects related to renewable energy allows students to apply their knowledge and skills

Empowering future generations for a sustainable future Teaching future generations about renewable energy is crucial for a greener and more sustainable future. By equipping students with knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment, we empower them to become active contributors in the fight against climate change. Through interactive activities, handson experiments, and collaboration with the community and industry experts, educators can inspire and nurture a passion for renewable energy among students. As we collectively harness hope for a sustainable future, it is essential to prioritize renewable energy education and ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools and knowledge to create a greener tomorrow. By teaching our children about renewable energy today, we lay the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.

OPINION 50 tegrated ecosystem – that enable homeowners to harness up to 100% of self-generated energy. The introduction of zero-rated tax on ESMs essentially lowers the barrier to entry for eco-smart solutions, providing an even easier, more cost effective and more accessible way to invest in technologies that maximise self-consumption, improve energy efficiency and enable further long-term reductions in utility bills. As a result, it’s undoubtedly a major step forward for both consumers and the industry. As well as opening up widespread financial benefits, it demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that support remains firmly in-line with a rapidly evolving green energy landscape.

VAT RELIEF ON HOME ENERGY TECH A MAJOR BOOST FOR CONSUMERS Back in January, the UK government announced that VAT relief for Energy Saving Materials (ESMs) in residential buildings would be extended to include home batteries, power diverters, EV chargers and water-source heat pumps. We caught up with Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, to discuss the implications for consumers and the wider domestic energy sector. Self-generating renewable energy via solar PV is widely considered a simple and cost effective way to reduce reliance on the grid, decentralise supply, reduce utility bills and protect consumers against energy market volatility. As a result, the adoption of domestic solar has continued to accelerate at breakneck speed, undoubtedly helped by the government’s slashing of VAT for solar panels back in April 2022. However, while the prospect of minimising energy bills makes self-generated green energy an attractive option, the disadvantage of any microgeneration tech is that its output and consumption is often unpredictable. For one, opti-

mum generation is reliant on certain weather conditions and, what’s more, peak generation periods are typically during the day when most users are away from the home. As a result, the average consumption rate for self-generated domestic power stands at just 45% in the UK, with some users only able to reduce their reliance on mains energy by less than 25% . Rather than making full use of self-generated solar energy in the home, electricity is often exported to the grid at times of high generation and low use, and then typically bought back (at a higher price) when it’s needed most. At myenergi, we believe that eco-smart tech is the most effective solution to bridge the self-consumption gap. After all, there are a number of products on the marketplace – including our in-

When it comes to myenergi tech, our eddi power diverter and zappi solar EV charger are now in scope for VAT relief when fitted to an ESM, while our libbi home battery is classified as zero-rated both as a standalone technology and when connected to (or installed alongside) renewable energy generation solutions such as solar, wind or hydro. Households can therefore save thousands of pounds on purchase and installation prices, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint, streamlining utility bills and taking complete control of their energy use. This is a major move and one that should be wholeheartedly commended, not only for its up-front financial benefit, but for its wider implications on renewable energy generation and consumption as a whole. The government should always seek to incentivise decarbonisation solutions, ideally delivered through mechanisms like tax relief and subsidies. In October last year, for example, the government upped the maximum grant available towards the installation of heat pumps from £5,000 to £7,500. Prior to the update, we had already witnessed a marked difference in home heat pump adoption - in 2023, heat pump installations grew by nearly a fifth (with over 200,000 heats pumps now installed across the country ) and this number is only expected to continue rising with the availability of larger government grants.

Looking ahead, we’re expecting VAT relief legislation be further updated to include a wider selection of ESMs as we continue to see a strong positive link between home clean energy adoption and government incentivisation. Additional tax benefits and clean tech subsidies should and will be introduced to further drive down the initial capital investment required to install eco-smart, green technology in the home, and do even more to help consumers save money.

UK BUSINESS,

Brazil, Australia and Malaysia are among the most exciting markets for UK companies to sell to. Learn about international opportunities for your sector at great.gov.uk/markets Made in the UK Sold to the World

Celebrating and rewarding the best electric vehicles of 2023 COMING IN MARCH