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Keeping key workers on the move

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EVs and public charging network keep us moving in pandemic

Electric vehicles and the the public charging network are vital for essential travel during he coronovirs pandemic.

A survey by Zap-Map in partnership with the REA has found that EVs and the network are vital for keeping ‘key workers’ on the move during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey which took data from over 3,000 EV users found that, despite EV use falling significantly in line with the overall reduction in travel, 83% of users are still reliant on their EV for essential travel. Of these, just under a quarter (24%) identify as key workers with the majority of these (36%) working in healthcare with others working across a range of sectors including utilities, food delivery, transport, public safety and education.

Amongst those surveyed, 29% are still using the public and manufacturer-owned charging network. This number increases when looking at key workers, with just under half (47%) reliant on the public charging network. Although this is a reduction in the pre-COVID proportion of usage (which is more than 90%), it demonstrates how important the charging infrastructure continues to be for many EV drivers.

Whilst the vast majority of those surveyed were satisfied with the public and manufacturer-owned network, 21% of users reported experiencing some issues, an increase on normal reporting rates. This number increased to 28% amongst key workers, most likely due to this group utilising the infrastructure more frequently. The two key lockdownn-related issues cited are either delays to chargers being repaired and inaccessibility of charge points where a site has been closed or is now behind a barrier.

Zap-Map has also been working closely with the network operators and incorporating direct feedback from EV drivers to identify and highlight the chargers clearly on the map. As it stands, 430 charging points, out of a total of over 18,000 across the UK (2%), have been identified as temporarily non-accessible due to lockdown measures.

In light of the issues identified in the survey, the REA has contacted the Government asking them to classify public and manufacturer-owned EV charging maintenance personnel as key workers. The REA and Zap-Map are also working with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to fully understanding issues relating to site accessibility.

Dr Nina Skorupska CBE FEI, Chief Executive of the REA said:

“The data shows just how robust and reliable EVs and the public and manufacturer-owned charging networks are, even in the midst of a global pandemic. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the industry who keep the networks running.

“With the lockdown set to continue it is important that the public has access to publicly owned and operational charge points. We are committed to working with OLEV to ensure any problems are identified as quickly as possible.”

Dr. Ben Lane, CTO and Joint MD, Zap-Map said: “EVs and the public charging infrastructure are playing a fundamental role during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing many users to fulfil essential travel needs and keeping key workers across a wide range of roles on the road.

Zap-Map continues to work hard to provide up to date information for EV drivers on public charging points across the UK, including highlighting COVID related issues as reported by users and network operators’

  • Zap-Map in partnership with the REA has carried out a survey on EV use during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 83% EV users still reliant on their EV for essential travel and almost three in ten (29%) are still using the public charging network
  • Almost a quarter of these EV users (24%) identify as ‘key workers’
  • 98% of the public charging infrastructure is operating as normal – although there is an increase on normal reporting rates of issues
Motoring news

Vauxhall prepares for re-start

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Ellesmere Port plant’s preparations under way

 
  • Reinforced & audited health measures now fully deployed at Plant.
  • Management approve high level of employee protection.
  • EP’s Trade Union, Unite, supports health measures enabling resumption of manufacturing activity; welcomes opportunity to review safety protocols.
  • Re-start timing to be assessed on week-by-week basis

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health crisis, Groupe PSA’s priority has been to protect its employees and preserve the company’s long-term future.

During its closure, the Ellesmere Port site has remained “active” and implemented a protocol of reinforced health measures. This protocol, now approved by Management, has been fully audited, in order to assess its implementation.

Ellesmere Port’s Management team has invited Unite, representing plant employees, to make a final review of the safety protocols, before a resumption of manufacturing activity can begin.

The protocol comprises more than 100 measures covering all the company’s activities at industrial, administrative, R&D and commercial level. For example, the protocol – specifically developed for industrial sites – requires checking employees’ temperatures, in addition to their self-monitoring of symptoms. The wearing of glasses on site is also supplemented by a daily individual supply of masks, and respecting safe distances between people. Measures include break areas with markings on the floor, keeping doors open (except fire doors) to avoid contact with handles, frequent cleaning of tools and work surfaces, waiting time when exchanging unprepared parts in a Groupe PSA (hand to hand) environment.

The industrial recovery schedule, which will be comprehensively discussed with Unite, has not yet been specified and will take into account the operating capacity left to companies by public authorities to exercise their commercial and industrial activities