The Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Committee's inquiry into electric vehicles, the challenges they represent for the energy infrastructure and the actions needed to support the development of this market.
Objectives of the consultation
This inquiry built on the written evidence received for the previous inquiry Electric Vehicles: Developing the Market, which was interrupted by the General Election, and brings an added focus on the challenges electric vehicles create for the electricity grid and energy infrastructure.
The Committee called witnesses to provide oral evidence based on the written submissions received for the previous inquiry to examine barriers to the market's development and the support it needed to progress. The Committee also look at charging infrastructure as well as purchase costs and incentives to increase electric vehicle sales.
The Committee also invited written submissions in relation to the additional points below:
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How will increased uptake of electric vehicles, to meet the Government's 2040 target to end the sale of new diesel and petrol cars, affect the electricity grid? What action is needed to manage impacts, and to make the most of opportunities afforded by vehicle-to-grid technologies?
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How do charging infrastructure requirements differ for alternative types of vehicle, journey, and user (including fleets)?
- How should new infrastructure for electric vehicles and associated grid reinforcements be sustainably funded?
This inquiry closed on 3 November 2017.
CIBSE response
CIBSE response to this inquiry will be published, amongst other submissions, on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee website.
In its response CIBSE welcomed plans to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles, due to their effect on air quality and carbon emissions. Electric vehicles have the potential to support a transition to cleaner transport modes, however, this should be considered as part of a whole system approach. The complexity of the challenges and the inter-relation between transport, built environment, electricity and heat infrastructure make a whole system approach crucial. This also represents an opportunity for the UK to demonstrate leadership in multi-disciplinary long-term approaches.
To read CIBSE response please follow the link below.