With 2011 marking the launch of over 20 new electric vehicles, BEAMA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Howard Porter told delegates that the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project brings together organisations with a major interest in developing the charging infrastructure in the UK.

He said: “This Project is a sign that BEAMA members are committed to helping the Government achieve its low carbon transport targets. Notably, by helping to develop the standards regime and infrastructure rollout that will signal a shift in the way we power our road vehicles to 2050 and beyond.

“Initiatives are being developed which will facilitate the EV sector by identifying market and technical barriers, and evolving product and system standards solutions.“ Dr Porter continued: “With the expectation for 1.5 million plug-in vehicles by 2020, BEAMA is focusing on the increasingly important topic of electric vehicles, working with: the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV); other Government departments; vehicle manufacturers; utilities and the IT industry to create an effective infrastructure.”

The launch was supported by OLEV and a spokesperson welcomed the BEAMA Infrastructure Project initiative stating: “The EV infrastructure component market represents a potentially significant economic opportunity. We are pleased to see that BEAMA is taking the lead in exploring what this represents for UK companies.”

Dr Porter said: “The Government has put significant weight behind the call for market transformation to electric vehicles as the energy strategy towards 2050 highlights the need to electrify both heat and personal transportation. We’re looking for new members to join this Project group. Interested companies should contact BEAMA.”

Flanked by the Nemesis and Smart electric vehicles on display, delegates heard supporting speeches from a selection of Project founding members; Siemens, Schneider Electric and Eaton.

Prior to the launch, delegates attended the first day of BEAMA’s two-day Low Carbon Living Conference themed ‘The Electric Vehicle Revolution’. Speakers from Siemens, Axeon, Central Networks and CENELEC outlined the electric vehicle business opportunity and the challenges for manufacturers of infrastructure equipment. Representatives from Arup and Scottish & Southern Energy focused on the CABLED public field trial projects and the energy supply chain offer.

For more BEAMA Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project information, membership enquiries etc email Andrew Willman