Most trends come and go, but it’s safe to say that the future of transport is electric. Indeed, despite global production challenges, microchip shortages, supply chain disruptions and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was yet another record-breaking year for EV registrations. According to data from the SMMT, more than 300,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were collectively registered throughout the year – almost four times the number of diesel cars sold. Insight from Statista suggests that this growth will only increase, with a CAGR of 13.89% projected between now and 2027, leading to sales of more than 637,000 new EVs per annum. As a result, alongside the burgeoning growth of the used EV marketplace, demand for charging solutions continues to increase at pace. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this will continue to see both public and private infrastructure grow rapidly – with significant investment expected in support. So, as we move through 2023, what themes are we likely to see emerge from the EV charging sector? New products? New legislation? New tech developments? New brands coming on-stream or developing their footprint in the UK? While it may just be speculation, I’ve put together five key trends that I expect to see impact the marketplace, as well as consumer charging behaviours, over the coming months. 1: The public charging network will continue to expand According to insight from McKinsey & Company, the growth of the UK’s public charging network continues at pace. Zap Map suggests that there are 18 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2023 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net EV CHARGING TRENDS FOR 2023 AND THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIFICATION EV charging trends we’re likely to see through 2023 and why the next 12 months will be a pivotal period for the UK’s transition to electrification now more than 36,000 charging devices (and 60,0000 connectors) spread across almost 22,000 locations nationwide. This represents an increase of 33% since November 2021.With significant investment already planned from the market’s leading brands, we’re likely to see the network develop further in 2023. From new locations popping up on an almost daily basis, to more superfast chargers being fitted than at any other time, it’ll be easier than ever to charge your car ‘on-the-go’. Charging as a Service (CaaS) is therefore expected to grow in 2023. Put simply, it’s the idea that offering a service for motorists to charge their vehicles isn’t enough to generate significant revenue (unless delivered on a mass scale). Instead, if drivers are sat waiting for their EV to charge, CaaS sees this free time used as a tool to encourage purchase behaviour – think free charging at supermarkets, or the development of charging ‘destinations’ featuring shopping centres, retail facilities and restaurants. Companies like Gridserve are dominating the marketplace and, with more and more consumers starting to consider EV charging as part of their daily routine, I only see this corner of the market continuing to expand. 2: Technology will improve customer experience Although it’s positive to see more EVs than ever plugged in to public charging points across the UK, keeping charging stations free has become somewhat of a challenge. In the past, the bugbear for any EV driver was petrol or diesel vehicles blocking working charging points. However, now we have a new enemy – EV users that don’t move their cars once charging has finished. For consumers, this leads to frustration and unnecessary delays. For providers, a clear loss of revenue. In 2023, we’re likely to see new and innovative solutions unveiled to tackle the challenge. From charging point sensors and a wealth of new apps, to charges/fines for malpractice. 3: Domestic charging will become king While the headlines often surround public charging, it’s important to remember that more than 85% of charging takes place at home. As such, I’m confident that the domestic charging market will see the fastest growth in 2023 – resulting in an increase in unit sales and installations, alongside a wealth of new products and technologies making it to market. For those who don’t have a driveway, I’m certain that we’ll see progress made towards developing safe, secure, hazard-free on-street charging solutions for those who previously had to trail charging wires across the pavement. We’ve already seen a number of developments here that will start to pick up pace as the year progresses. With legislation introduced last year mandating the installation of smart chargers, as standard, to all new property developments, the accessibility of domestic charging is quickly pushing BY Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=