In this podcast, the hosts Chris Sass and Niall Riddell from Paua, talk to Gill Nowell, Principal at AFRY about ‘unveiling the future of electric mobility andinsights into sustainable transportation.’

Electric cars are a fantastic way to get from A toB, and they contribute to cleaner air and reduced air pollution from fossil fuels. In the UK, poor air quality is linked to 40,000 early deaths and costs the economy £20 billion annually. Electric cars also offer a great driving experience and are cost-effective to run, especially if charged at home. Electric cars often come out as good or better value than their petrol or diesel counterparts when considering total cost of ownership. The second handmarket for EVs is growing, with used EVs selling faster and reaching price parity with petrol and diesel cars. There are incentives for businesses to transition to electric fleets, including low tax rates and salary sacrifice schemes. Transitioning to electric cars can boost a company's sustainability credentials and help attract and retain staff.

The electric van market is still facing challenges in terms of choice and range, with heavy goods vehicles lagging behind cars. The spread of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) is undermining consumer confidence in electric vehicles, particularly regarding cost, range anxiety,and charging infrastructure. However, the reality is that electric cars are becoming more affordable, have sufficient range for most daily journeys, and there is a growing network of charging stations. Even though the business model of service stations may change with the rise of home charging, there will still be a need for public charging infrastructure, especially for those without off-street parking. Different charging solutions, including charging hubs, will cater to the diverse needs of drivers. Critics also raise concerns about fires, mineral sourcing, and battery lifespan, but there are ongoing developments to address these issues.

Research shows that electric vehicles produce about one-third less carbon emissions than petrol and diesel cars. Concerns about battery production and disposal, as well as ethical and environmental issues around mining, are being addressed through reduced cobalt content in batteries and efforts to ensure ethical supply chains. EV batteries have valuable materials that can be used in storage applications and can be recycled, with up to 95% of materials being recyclable. Real-world data from Tesla shows that electric car batteries retain about 133% of their capacity even after 200,000 miles, dispelling concerns about battery life. EVs are also 20 times less likely to catch fire than petrol and diesel cars. While there is a challenge with thermal runaway in batteries, efforts are being made to enhance safety features. Changes in driver behaviour with the introduction of EVs include adjusting to the strong performance and being more aware of speed and range. A3 Global, is a global engineering and advisory company focused on sustainable solutions and aims to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable society. They provide support in various areas, including transport decarbonisation and the development of smart cities and EV charging infrastructure.

The growth of Electric Mobility requires investment in charging infrastructure. The company provides deep insight and market modelling software to help clients in the private and public sectors with market assessments and business models for expanding their charging networks. Gill also discusses her involvement in pioneering projects related to electric vehicle charging and smart charging technology. She highlights the importance of collaboration between the automotive and energy sectors and mentions the establishment of the EV Network Group and the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England.

Eva England's work on policy for electric vehicles has been commendable, supporting government initiatives both publicly and behind the scenes. Non-members are encouraged to research and join for information and support. The convenience of overnight charging for EVs is highlighted as a major benefit.

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