Are Europe’s distribution grids ready for heavy-duty EVs?
Image courtesy 123rf
According to the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E), for the electric grid to not be a roadblock hampering the future of Europe’s electric transport sector, namely heavy-duty EVs, it will be imperative for all stakeholders to become active immediately.
Namely, all parties involved in the deployment of charging infrastructure, including governments, charge point operators (CPOs), transmission and distribution system operators (TSOs/DSOs), need to start planning as soon as possible to meet the charging needs of battery electric trucks.
According to the Federation’s survey, Grid Readiness for HDV Charging, this will involve:
- Analysing future charging demand and where it will occur;
- Creating awareness of grid operators of what this future demand would mean for their grid planning;
- Accelerating administrative and permitting procedures;
- Breaking up silo thinking by bringing all stakeholders involved together.
According to T&E, the regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR) obliges EU member states to ensure the deployment of recharging pools dedicated to heavy-duty EVs.
However, these targets have raised questions addressing the suitability of existing distribution networks to support its development, as well as of the required actions to make network connections available.
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Key findings
According to T&E’s survey, the following key findings were derived regarding the readiness of the European distribution network, in mind of the targets set by AFIR:
- AFIR ambition:
The AFIR targets specify two metrics: timelines and distance as well as capacity.
The timelines of the targets, in general, were perceived as the more problematic metric.
Regarding a 2025 deadline for heavy-duty infrastructure, given the short remaining time, even at sites where sufficient network capacity is available, timely implementation will be challenging, states the Federation.
If any permitting procedures are required, implementation seems more unrealistic, necessitating a delay to 2027 or 2028.
However, for 2030, the general feedback was that the volumes specified in the proposals are challenging but feasible. Nevertheless, at least in certain regions, network development is required to meet the AFIR targets.
- Planning and permitting
According to the survey’s findings, the challenging character of the proposed timelines is even more evident as usual periods for network planning and permitting in several EU member states are very long.
If high voltage (HV) lines are included, procedures may take more than a decade, hence planning periods may already now conflict with 2030 targets.
Additionally, existing legal frameworks do not allow an acceleration of permitting processes.
From this perspective, states the survey, the time until AFIR enters into force is even more problematic.
- DSO awareness and focus
DSOs, states T&E, will only be able to successfully tackle the challenges related to AFIR targets with an anticipating and proactive approach, sufficient resources and respective corporate cultures.
The report states how specific national policy instruments incentivising DSOs may also be needed, at least in a transitional period until 2030.
However, incentives should not focus only on charging infrastructure for heavy-duty EVs but rather stimulate provision of connections in general, i.e. also for renewables.
While the distribution network perspective is important, T&E adds that requirements need to be set by transport demand and patterns.
Involving DSOs in the identification of potential sites, they state, will likely accelerate grid connection and reduce costs in some cases.
- Studies needed
Nearly all stakeholders mentioned ongoing studies matching scenarios for charging hubs with network development needs.
Lessons learned from national studies should thus be compiled at the EU level, states the survey, and findings should be disseminated among involved stakeholders as well as among different member states.
This would also minimise the risk of supply gaps in border regions and for transit routes.
- Coordination of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and distribution network planning
The report states how, at EU and national levels, planning of motorway infrastructure and distribution networks, so far, is not coordinated. This also applies to EU funding, although there is potential for improvement.
According to T&E’s report, ambitious policy targets correctly reflect the expected growth in demand for charging infrastructure.
However, political targets should be in line with actual charging needs. This helps DSOs and other stakeholders plan strategically and communicate their needs and challenges to policymakers.
The Federation adds how, although there will be charging hubs which are crucial for geographic coverage, they will not be economically viable due to low customer intensity and thus low utilisation.
These require special attention in planning but even more in implementation and suitable policy instruments, such as subsidies and service obligations, which will need to be applied.
