Electric Vehicle Charging Points – What are the risks that need to be considered prior to installation?
The UK Government has set a date of 2030 for the ban on the sale of purely petrol- and diesel-powered passenger cars and vans. This drive towards the replacement of petrol and diesel passenger cars / vans in the UK’s vehicle fleet is leading to a significant rise in the sales of pure electric vehicles (EV’s) and plug-in hybrids across the UK. This rapidly growing number of electric vehicles requires the development of new vehicle charging infrastructure across the UK to help meet the Government’s 2030 target and encourage people to opt for electric vehicles.
While most electric vehicles will be charged at home overnight, the availability of ‘Destination’ chargers will help encourage users to make the switch to these types of vehicle and help reduce the often reported ‘Range Anxiety’ associated with owning electric vehicles. Additionally, many people may not be in the position to install home charging points i.e. those in flats, city centre houses with no assigned parking etc. as such availability of low cost / free public charging infrastructure at places of work or retail / leisure locations will form a key part of the overall required charging infrastructure.
Unfortunately, there are a number of potential health, safety and fire risks associated with providing this new infrastructure which need to be carefully considered prior to installing these charging points.