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Investing in EV Infrastructure Projects

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Why invest in EV Infrastructure Projects? Through his experience of delivering multiple EV infrastructure projects at bus depots across the country, our Associate Director, Adam Blasbery discusses the benefits of investing and the opportunities these types of projects can bring. He explains why now is the right time to take advantage of the funding available, and why partnering with Vextrix means working with an expert team with a track record in the delivery of successful EV infrastructure projects. 

Date:

18th September 2023

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What are the drivers behind implementing EV infrastructure for bus companies?

Over the last 18 months, we’ve been supporting First Bus in the delivery of EV chargers and infrastructure for their bus depots, moving away from diesel buses to full electric. Electric supply is well established and has been adopted commercially and domestically with vehicle charging points being installed up and down the country.

The main driver for bus operating companies to upgrade their fleet to new electric buses has been through government targets to introduce zero-emission buses by providing £240 million of funding to local transport authorities (LTAs), with the operating companies funding the balance. First Bus are taking it a step further and have set the target of their full fleet being entirely zero emissions by 2035. There is a mix of fleets across the various operators and LTA’s, some opting for electric and others choosing hydrogen as their fuel supply, whilst hybrid is still preferred by others.

 

What are the benefits of investing in an electric fleet?

The initial benefits surround the vehicles themselves. The introduction of a fleet of electric buses means the vehicles are clean, efficient and quiet and they are brand new which in itself means it encourages the community to use buses more, which has benefits for the provider and the environment at the same time.

The fleet of buses that have been introduced in our projects are also more reliable, for example their ability to be less affected by sudden drops in temperature, meaning the service of the buses is improved which has a positive impact on the residents in the local community.

The technology we implement when we deliver these projects also means they deliver rapid charging, meaning the speed of charging doesn’t need to concern the client. The introduction of EV infrastructure also means increased employment opportunities in the community.

Initially this includes employment throughout the construction stages and following that in maintenance. There is then the demand for new bus drivers and opportunities to work with schools and colleges to provide education and training.

How does the electrification of buses compare to Hydrogen fueled fleets?

Hydrogen is costly to buy, and there are far fewer refueling stations than recharging points in most places. The higher cost of fueling a fleet using Hydrogen means that it doesn’t always work for the operators. Running an efficient, affordable bus service is the top priority for the provider and so electric vehicles offer the solution, supporting their commitment to the Net Zero Agenda and sustainability and providing a clean affordable, efficient service for the local community.

 

How can our clients make the most of the opportunities that become available when considering investing in EV?

My advice would be to invest as soon as possible, although the benefits are immediate in terms of the service, the benefit to investing now means the opportunities actually keep developing. The focus from the government and the drive for Net Zero means the drive for change is not going to disappear, if anything the opportunities and benefits will increase as time goes on, as companies and communities move to this way of working and living.

How important is working with the right team when deciding to invest in a EV infrastructure project?

It is extremely important to work with a team that has experience and knowledge of working on these type of projects. We bring a high level of knowledge and experience on all of our projects but with our EV projects we have it in abundance. In the last 18 months, we have delivered 4 projects and currently have 4 others on-site, all in locations that differ in terms of complexity, but each of them has also been very unique, meaning we have an in-depth understanding of what is needed to ensure a successful delivery.

Why is Vextrix the right team to deliver these types of projects?

Our experience in delivering these projects means we understand and have experienced constraints, challenges and stakeholder management from conception, construction through to hand back on each unique project.

We have developed a blueprint in the way we work that we apply to each new project. This gives our clients confidence in our delivery and also means we are efficient, organised and skilled in our approach so we can anticipate changes and adapt quickly using our knowledge to provide solutions.

We have the knowledge to understand and advise on timescales, budget requirements and so we work to deliver projects with speed, agility and honesty to deliver our projects as seamlessly as possible. Our experience managing and coordinating multiple teams means we know how to deliver to the needs of multiple stakeholders and also work as a part of multi skilled teams to make sure the project is delivered without unnecessary costs or delays.

Which area of the market has the biggest growth potential from the focus on EV infrastructure?

In my opinion local authorities have the biggest scope of opportunity. There is currently funding available to local authorities to allow them to take advantage of the benefits of implementing EV infrastructure.

It is really important that local authorities take the opportunity to make the most of the funding available at a time when making positive changes to benefit the environment is so prominent. Not only does it have a positive impact on their communities, but it has a positive impact on the local authority themselves.

 

What are the benefits for Local Authorities in particular in investing in EV infrastructure?

The opportunities are endless for local authorities and when working with the right team there is no reason not to take advantage of the allocated funding and investing in an EV infrastructure project. The investment means an increase in jobs for people in the local communities, up skilling and the development of new roles.

The investment also has mutual benefits for those living and working in the local community, the charging infrastructure offers local authorities the opportunity to partner with local companies, so the chargers are used even when the buses are in service, meaning companies will be encouraged to purchase electric vehicles.

In our projects we have seen the changes that the introduction of this technology has on the bus services overall. The past association with buses being old, outdated and unreliable has been replaced with the community viewing the new fleet as a different way of travelling, in comfortable, clean and reliable vehicles that make travelling by bus a different experience.

For more information on how Adam and his team can support your next project, please contact him on ablasbery@vextrix.com

 

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