Introduction: The EV Imperative
The European Commission's decision to ban new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and to install ultra-fast charging stations every 60 kilometres on major roads by 2025 has set the stage for electric vehicles to dominate the market. The share of electric cars out of all vehicles sold will increase from 14% in 2022 to around 18% in 2023, and electric vehicles are forecast to account for 85% of sales in Europe by 2035. As a leading provider of green energy solutions, Equans offers comprehensive electric vehicle charging solutions and energy grid expertise to support the large-scale deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure. With over a century of experience in electrical engineering, Equans is ideally positioned to meet the demands of the transition to electric mobility.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Recharging
When it comes to charging electric vehicles, there are different types of charging, each with its own specific requirements:
- Standard charging is ideal for overnight charging and parking for long periods. This type of charging is often found in homes and workplaces. It uses lower power and can take several hours to fully charge an electric vehicle.
- Fast charging is designed for shorter charging times and is often used in public car parks and commercial areas where EV owners need to charge quickly. Level 2 chargers usually provide this type of charging with a higher power output than standard chargers.
- Ultra-fast charging is designed for rapid charging, which is usually done on motorways and main roads. With this high-power solution, EVs can be charged in less than an hour, which is particularly interesting for long-distance travellers.
In addition to these traditional methods, there are also innovative technologies. Wireless charging offers a wireless alternative that provides convenience and reduces wear and tear on chargers. Intelligent energy management systems further improve charging efficiency and optimise charging times to reduce costs and minimise the impact on the grid.
Addressing the Challenges of EV Fleet Charging Infrastructure
While electric mobility has clear environmental benefits, it also presents challenges. A major hurdle is ensuring a dense and accessible charging network to meet the needs of electric vehicle users and reduce range anxiety. This requires a strategic effort to install charging stations in a variety of locations, from residential areas and workplaces to public car parks and motorways.
The reliability and maintenance of charging stations is also crucial. Downtime or technical problems can disrupt the travel plans of electric vehicle users, highlighting the need for robust support and maintenance systems. Companies such as Equans are focusing on comprehensive electric vehicle charging solutions, addressing these challenges with innovative technology, end-to-end management and maintenance services and a customer-focused approach.
Equans’ EV Adoption Approach
The success of electric mobility depends heavily on the availability of a robust charging infrastructure. Smart charging strategies that balance energy demand and optimise consumption are at the heart of Equans' approach. As such, Equans has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to electric vehicle charging, providing tailored solutions for a wide range of customers, from private vehicle owners to public transport operators. The company's design and sizing expertise enables it to optimise the technical infrastructure, ensuring that charging stations are tailored to specific needs and balance energy demand to relieve pressure on the grid. Equans' installation services cover the entire process, from electrical connections to civil engineering works, providing customers with a hassle-free experience. Maintenance and ongoing support are an integral part of Equans' approach, with both remote and on-site operations ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the charging stations.
Equans’ Comprehensive EV Offering
- Innovative technologies: Equans' innovative solutions go beyond standard charging infrastructure. The company integrates advanced technologies such as intelligent chargepoint management systems and wireless charging into the EV infrastructure. The Charge&Go system is designed to optimise the management of electric bus fleets and reduce energy costs by minimising consumption peaks and complying with power consumption limits. The system provides real-time monitoring and comprehensive depot and terminal management, ensuring optimised charging operations and longer battery life. It can also be linked to operational support systems to improve business continuity, promote efficient charging and reduce overall energy consumption. Equans is also deploying dynamic charging for heavy vehicles on the move, which has the potential to revolutionise the decarbonisation of bus and road transport fleets.
- Project Management Services: Equans provides end-to-end project management for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, from planning and design through to installation and ongoing maintenance. This holistic approach ensures a fast and smooth transition to electric mobility. Equans' partnered with GEFCO in France and Spain to meet the requirements of a large project with very tight deadlines. The installation of 153 charging stations at 14 logistics sites in both countries demonstrates Equans' expertise in providing turnkey solutions for extensive EV charging infrastructure.
- Maintenance support and national coverage: Equans offers diversified strategy includes around the clock maintenance and support services to minimise downtime and ensure a consistent charging experience. The company's national and European coverage ensures responsive installation and operation of charging stations, supported by a robust network of maintenance companies. With a network of over 7,000 public charging points in the Netherlands alone, Equans is leading the way in managing network capacity and reducing pressure on the energy infrastructure.
Equans’ GeniePoint Platform
Equans' GeniePoint platform is a leading electric vehicle charging network in the UK. It provides a reliable and accessible network for EV owners, with charging points in a variety of locations including supermarkets, petrol stations and business parks. GeniePoint supports different charging levels, including fast chargers for rapid charging, to suit different EV models. The network is designed for ease of use, with a user-friendly app and online platform that allows users to locate chargers, track usage and manage their accounts.
The versatility of GeniePoint is demonstrated by Equans' partnership with Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn hotels. The three-year project, which began in 2021, will see the installation of 600 charging points in 300 hotels, equipped with highly specialised 50kW+ chargers that can charge electric vehicles in just 30 minutes using 100% clean energy, and meet the needs of both hotel guests and the general public through GeniePoint's multiple charging levels.
Conclusion: Green Mobility: Equans Helps Businesses Take the EV Wheel
All the lights ahead are turning green, and with the right approach, businesses can successfully overcome the challenges and realise the full potential of EV adoption. Equans, with its extensive range of bespoke EV solutions, is the ideal partner to guide businesses through this transition. By providing innovative charging solutions for electric vehicles of all sizes, comprehensive project management and ongoing maintenance, Equans ensures a robust and accessible EV charging network. As the world moves towards cleaner and greener transport, businesses have the opportunity to not only reduce their environmental impact, but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability.
