i
Introduction
There are many changes within the electrotechnical industry visible today as we work towards targets
for renewable energy generation, carbon emission reduction and improved energy management.The
expanding e-mobility market presents great opportunities for manufacturers in the UK to provide an
interoperable infrastructure for a mass market of electric vehicles.With the growth of the electric
vehicle market, private and public transport is now providing a new interface with the grid.In response
to this BEAMA is providing a focus for the development of electrical infrastructures for electric
vehicles, to ensure this interface is, safe,‘smart’ and interoperable.
The UK Government is projecting tens of thousands of electric vehicles to be in use in the UK by
2015 with acceleration in this ownership between 2015 and 2020. Forecasts for market development
are of course difficult to predict as market acceptance will be dependent on many variables, including
oil prices, electricity prices, infrastructure availability and consumer acceptance.
Market figures to end of March 20121.
The availability of infrastructure is of course something we are able to influence now, and is the key
focus of BEAMA’s activity within this sector. With so many electric vehicles potentially on UK roads
it is of utmost importance that consumers are encouraged to charge their vehicles responsibly and
safely, limiting the impact on the local electricity networks while maximising the potential for carbon
reduction and energy management.
BEAMA has therefore developed this guide in collaboration with a range of organisations to provide
a view of the current availability and best practice use of charging infrastructure in the UK.
We recognize there will be a mix of vehicle technologies moving forward, including plug-in hybrid
and pure electric vehicles. The scope of this guide currently covers pure electric vehicles and the
charging practice of a standard 24kw battery. It is anticipated that subsequent versions of the guide
will be produced to reflect the development of the infrastructure and vehicle technologies available in
the UK.
BEAMA would like to thank all those who have contributed to the guide.
Dr Howard Porter
Chief Executive
British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’Association (BEAMA)
DISCLAIMER
This publication is subject to the copyright of BEAMA Ltd. While the information herein has been compiled in good faith, no
warranty is given or should be implied for its use and BEAMA hereby disclaims any liability that may arise from its use to the fullest
extent permitted under applicable law.
Installed chargepoints 2
Claims made through the Plug-in Car Grant
>3,000
1,276
1Department for Transport, December 2011, http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/olev/plug-in-car-grant
2This figure includes publically accessible, domestic and private workplace chargepoints. 1,673 delivered through the Plugged-In Places program, of which
60% are publically accessible.The remainder have been installed by private sector organisations and other local authorities.
