Cars are doing one of two things – either parked or being driven – and energy experts believe more could be done while vehicles are not being used to improve the UK’s EV charging network and reduce costs.
Energy specialist RenEnergy believes using solar power to help charge EVs could save millions of pounds a year and is calling on motorway services to install solar car ports above their parking spaces.
It says this will not only pass on savings to EV owners, but also encourage others to make the switch by expanding the charging infrastructure.
‘Energy goldmine’
Fleet World reports that the service station network is sitting on an “untapped renewable energy goldmine” and is missing out by not harnessing the benefits of solar carports, which sit above parking spaces and generate energy from solar panels on the canopy, offering EV charging and providing shelter and shade for vehicles.
Research by RenEnergy reveals that there are 46,153 car parking spaces across 151 UK service stations which are suitable for solar carport installations and has calculated that the carports could produce around 124GWh of energy per year — enough to power 1.9 million EV trips from London to Manchester.
Using current energy rates, its calculations have identified potential savings worth £19.3 million per year for service station operators – savings RenEnergy says could be passed directly on to EV drivers through reduced charging costs.
It added that this would make longer journeys more affordable and accessible for thousands of motorists, as well as representing a significant step forward in improving the national EV charging infrastructure.
Consultation
The idea is separately being considered by the Government which launched a consultation on proposals for compulsory solar power canopies for new outdoor car parks.
And RenEnergy says the benefits generated by the rollout of this technology go beyond cost savings. It added that the car ports offer service station operators energy security, especially in often remote locations, as well as substantial carbon savings.
Damian Baker, founder and managing director of RenEnergy, told Fleet World: “The answer to a significant EV charging conundrum is sitting right in front of us in car parks across the country.
“We know many people are concerned about being able to access chargers on long journeys, and service station operators need more electricity supply to provide more charging spots. Solar carports can provide renewable energy supply along with a number of other benefits to road users, such as protection from the elements and EV charging for every space.
“Our research shows that there could be a significant amount of energy harnessed from service station car parks that could go towards creating the EV infrastructure we need. With energy savings of over £19 million on the table annually, there are clear incentives for providers to pass on cost savings to road users for cheaper EV charging.”
Flexibility
And the solar car ports can be used in any car park, not just motorway services.
Mr Baker said: “If we add to this opportunity the car parks across the UK at offices, hospitals, supermarkets, retail parks, airports, train stations and other places we live, work, and play, we could see a massive increase in secure energy and lower costs for businesses and the public.
“To help harness this technology, we need to see the Government incentivise and mandate the technology like countries such as France have already done.
“It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive either. We have the technology at our disposal and are already seeing success across the UK, so let’s use it.”
