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EV Charger Installations Reached Record Numbers Last Year – Is This the End of Diesel?

With the UK and Europe’s impending ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles happening in a few years, and the zero-emissions goal, it is no wonder that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly and steadily increasing. As such, the demand for public electric chargers has also risen. In 2022 alone, the UK had over 8,000 public EV chargers installed. There are now approximately 37,000 chargers in the country.

The figures may not sound significant at this point, but a 30% growth rate is already a big step forward, especially since the government is committed to achieving 300,000 public EV chargers by the year 2030 (which is only several years away). That same year, the ban on new diesel and petrol-powered vehicles will also commence.

If the current increase continues, it is possible to achieve the government’s 300,000 public chargers goal. Manufacturers need to move fast, though, since estimates indicate that at least 19,000 installations are needed annually two years from now (2025) if the UK is to hit their goal.

Zap-Map chief operating officer and co-founder Melanie Shufflebotham said that around 1,000 ultra-rapid and rapid EV chargers were added to the list in 2022. These types of chargers can produce over 100 kW (kilowatts) and 25 kW respectively.

It is also important to encourage local authorities to act fast, especially since funding won’t be a problem as it is already available. It is essential to act now if the goal is to increase the number of public electric chargers in the thousands in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Local and central governments should coordinate with each other, and authorities should not forget to work with businesses and groups that operate and manage charging points for EVs.

Placing the DV chargers in the right area or location is also vital. The chargers need to be in areas that are easily accessible.

Why EVs are better

As mentioned earlier, electric vehicles are becoming more popular day after day. Many now recognise the value that EVs will bring them. Electric vehicles have also become the number one choice of drivers who understand the advantages of going electric compared to using diesel-powered vehicles.

Electric vehicles are better because they do not release tailpipe emissions. They are cleaner and more reliable. Drivers do not have to worry about exposing people to toxic emissions. EVs promote better environmental health as well.

There are three types of electric vehicles and all three are safer than diesel vehicles:

  • BEVs or battery-powered electric vehicles are equipped with a battery pack that stores the electricity for the car.
  • A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle needs a rechargeable battery along with a diesel-powered
  • A fuel-cell vehicle derives its electricity from electron hydrogen and does not release tailpipe emissions

Electric vehicles should be the primary option for people who are thinking of purchasing new vehicles. Those who use diesel-powered vehicles, on the other hand, should switch to EVs especially since the ban on diesel vehicles is nearing.

What do emissions do?

The emissions that come from diesel vehicles are known as NOx or nitrogen oxides. NOx contains nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide. On their own, the two gases are already quite potent. When they combine and react, they become more harmful. This makes NOx extremely dangerous.

When NOx mixes with other chemicals, it produces pollutants, including smog and acid. It also releases ground-level ozone, a pollutant that has severe impacts on vegetation, particularly on crops. Once exposed to NOx, crops, plants, and other vegetation weaken over time and get damaged.

Its health impacts range from mild to life-threatening:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Dementia
  • Asthma
  • COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Laryngospasm
  • Asphyxiation
  • Cancer
  • Early or Premature death

Dieselgate scandal

Emissions became a household issue in 2015 after the Dieselgate diesel emissions scandal broke out. The Volkswagen Group was accused of using defeat devices in their diesel vehicles so they could cheat during emissions tests. The devices can sense when the vehicle is being tested and they immediately reduce emissions to levels that are within the regulatory limits.

However, when the vehicle is taken out for real-life road driving, it emits high levels of nitrogen oxide. Therefore, it is a pollutant and does not follow emissions regulations. Carmakers, thus, deceived their customers.

Aside from the Volkswagen Group, other carmakers involved in the scandal include BMW, Renault, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz.

Can I file my diesel claim?

Affected drivers are urged to file a diesel claim against their carmaker for the following reasons:

  • Their carmaker lied to them and made them purchase a high-polluting vehicle at a premium price
  • Carmakers did not inform drivers about the defeat device
  • Carmakers exposed drivers and everyone around them to dangerous NOx emissions

If you think your vehicle is affected by defeat devices, you should file a diesel claim. If your case is successful, you can receive compensation from your employer. First off, however, you need to verify your eligibility to file for compensation. Simply visit Emissions.co.uk to get all the details you need about your claim.

Once you’re verified, talk to an emissions expert and decide if you want to file the case on your own or join a Group Litigation Order (GLO).