Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Maximising Benefits of Private Investment in EV Charge Points
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
In an age where the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is unfolding, the role of local authorities has never been more pivotal. A recent webinar, hosted by Public Sector Executive in collaboration with Believ, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the significant challenges and opportunities that local councils face in the transition to electric mobility. Central to this discussion was the pressing need for effective private sector investment in EV charging infrastructure.
The rise of electric vehicles has placed local authorities at the forefront of a critical mission: not only must they facilitate the rollout of charging points, but they must also ensure that these initiatives are commercially viable and sustainable for the long haul. The journey towards a fully electrified transport system is complex, and local councils have a vital role in steering this transition.
Featuring insights from professionals at Believ, Scottish Futures Trust, and Zouk Capital, the expert panel explored the intricacies of procurement strategies, tariff setting, and site selection in relation to EV charging infrastructure. These discussions are not merely academic; they hold real implications for the future of transport in our communities.
Charlie Allen, Believ’s Head of Public Sector Partnerships, opened the webinar by posing a crucial question: How essential is funding when it comes to partnering with a well-established charge point operator (CPO) for large-scale rollout tenders? Massimo Resta, Managing Partner (Infrastructure) at Zouk Capital, was quick to respond, emphasising the capital-intensive nature of this business. He stated, “This is a very capital-intensive business, where you need to install and run the infrastructure that will serve, for the next 20 to 25 years, an increasing number of electric vehicles on the ground.”
Resta elaborated further, noting that the task is not merely about installing charging sockets. “It’s also about running a business that is quite complex,” he explained. “There is a software angle, a B2B angle in relation to the contracts between the charge point operator and the host of the infrastructure, and finally a B2C angle because you need to cater to drivers’ needs, and it’s quite complex.”
The conversation then shifted to what local authorities should consider in procurement processes to ensure they forge long-lasting and beneficial partnerships. Alistair Young, Associate Director for Net Zero Transport at Scottish Futures Trust, provided valuable insights from his experience. “Most local authorities that I’ve had the pleasure of working with see themselves as enabling future services delivered by the private sector, rather than providing the services themselves,” he stated. This shift in perspective is crucial for the future of EV infrastructure development.
Young highlighted a significant change in the funding landscape. “Historically in Scotland, grant funding was much more readily available, allowing us to build our initial network, largely driven by funding from Transport Scotland or the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). However, the majority of local authorities now wish to divest themselves of that responsibility and transfer that network to a long-term sustainable partnership that not only takes into account existing assets but also leverages off that income stream.”
From the perspective of a charge point operator, Matt Croucher, Believ’s Chief Commercial Director, shared critical insights on the evolving market dynamics. He noted, “I think we, over the last few years, have witnessed a real pivot in the market away from what was, for a long time, a very grant funding-led model, propped up by and instigated by the public sector, to a much more private sector-funded model.”
Croucher stressed the importance of careful consideration when local authorities and private landowners seek partnerships. “The key thing for me is always to encourage that local authorities and private landowners need to be really careful as to who they look to partner with now because these are long-term investments. It’s one thing buying a charger and putting it in the ground, but to operate and maintain that is not for everyone.”
As we navigate the complexities of establishing a more electrified transport system, the insights shared during this webinar are invaluable for local authorities aiming to make informed decisions regarding EV charging infrastructure. The transition to electric mobility is not just about technology; it is about collaboration, strategic planning, and sustainable investment. For those interested in deepening their understanding of these critical topics, the full webinar is available for viewing on demand. You can access it here.
As we continue to advocate for a sustainable future, the collaboration between local authorities and the private sector will be crucial in driving the electric vehicle revolution forward. The insights from this webinar remind us that while the journey is fraught with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities to innovate and create a cleaner, greener future for all.
