Cris Chapman, Managing Director of Sevadis, emphasises the need for hands-on experience when it comes to EV charge point training if wholesalers are to gain the maximum business benefit and help the country deliver the charging infrastructure it needs to transition away from fossil fuels.

Despite Tesla sales taking a knock across Europe thanks to controversies surrounding Elon Musk, the influx of EVs from mass manufacturers such as BYD has made ownership increasingly affordable and bolstered the market. Electric vehicles now have around 20% share in the motor industry and there are over 1.4 million such vehicles registered in the UK, with over 380,000 registered in 2024, including 20,000 vans.

Challenges to uptake remain, particularly around anxiety about the lack of charging infrastructure and the shortage of skilled operatives able to keep up with installation demand. Consequently, there is a significant business opportunity for progressive wholesalers to better sell EV charge points to installers or broaden the range of charger brands they’re equipped to sell by undergoing training at Sevadis.

Such training builds confidence and lessens concerns about charge points and their installation, especially around commissioning and software which appear to be a barrier to entry for some installers, though it need not be. By being aware of the full features and benefits of EV charge points, branch staff will be far better equipped to guide customers to the charge point that meets their needs best, while delivering the best sales outcomes.

Central to any charge point training should be the opportunity to install a unit in person. Many manufacturers take a purely classroom based approach, yet experience shows the quality of learning is massively enhanced by getting hands-on with the charger and then installing the software.

Fast and easy installation

In the case of Sevadis, our charge points are fast and easy to install and a morning’s hands-on training – in a group of no more than eight – makes this very clear. Obviously, the advantage of fast and easy installation is the increased productivity it brings – making for more efficient working and increased profit opportunities. This is a key point to get across to installer customers.

The feedback we receive from our training sessions is truly fantastic, particularly when it comes to the practical element – wholesalers can’t praise it enough.

Similarly, a properly structured training session removes any of the potential worries associated with installation and gives wholesalers the necessary insights needed to reassure the anxious purchaser.

Beyond the actual installation exercise, presentations on a typical course would cover types of electric vehicles; types of connectors and modes of charging; load management and charging times; software and commissioning; installation considerations such as location, connectivity and cabling requirements and, finally, relevant legislation such as the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 and the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023.

Supporting the switch

The government has obviously put its full weight behind EVs, not least with it banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, and new hybrids from 2035. It is also supporting the switch away from fossil fuels with grant initiatives and increased regulation.

The direction of travel is only one way and working with Sevadis to obtain the necessary sales skills to exploit the demand of EV charge points can only be good for business, the environment and the wholesaler’s profits.

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As more UK motorists and fleets switch to electric vehicles, the requirements for electric infrastructure are evolving. Lee Sutton, co-founder and chief innovation officer of myenergi, explores the mobility transition and reducing reliance on the grid. 

As recently as 2015, just 2.8% of car sales in the UK were electric and hybrid vehicles. Fast forward to 2024, and there were 550,000 new electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) registered within 12 months – around 28.2% of the entire UK car park. This figure will continue to climb as the UK Government’s impending 2035 vehicle ban for new petrol and diesel cars and vans approaches.

In fact, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicts that more than 2 million EVs will be sold in 2035, highlighting the significant shift ahead. This will undoubtedly be an important part of the UK’s 2050 Net Zero ambitions, but there are also other important factors to consider.

Rise of home charging

While the operation of an EV produces no tailpipe emissions, it still requires energy. Fortunately, here in the UK, approximately 58% of our energy generation comes from low-carbon sources. This is predicted to grow to around 99% by 2035. This means that the vast majority of EV miles in 2035 will have no direct emissions from usage.

At the same time, however, it is important to understand behavioural trends among EV drivers. Currently, 85% of all EV charging is said to take place on the driveway. This makes the widespread installation of home chargers an integral part of EV adoption and the backbone of future personal transportation. Fortunately, in mid-2022, Part S of the Building Regulations came into effect. The regulation requires all new homes and buildings to be fitted with a smart EV charger.

But with all these new EVs, PHEVs and home chargers drawing power from mains supply, how will the grid be able to manage the load?

Bearing the load

This cumulative demand presents a significant challenge, particularly considering that most motorists will want to charge their car after returning home from work. This sharp peak, which coincides with pre-established evening energy peaks is one of the reasons why the UK legislated a requirement for all EV chargers to be equipped with ‘smart charging’.

Smart charging was introduced in the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. It stipulated that chargers must have the ability to schedule charging during off-peak periods or when renewable energy generation is high, thereby reducing demand on the grid during peak times.

While this is an excellent stopgap, there is still a question of long-term grid functionality, necessitating widespread network upgrades and maintenance. Policymakers need to understand that meeting emissions targets and transitioning to EVs will also require investment in energy infrastructure, beyond the building of new renewable generation sites.

Household adaptation

While policy decisions remain with those in power, there are proactive options for all of us to consider. One example is the implementation of off-peak tariffs, like those offered by Octopus Energy, which help to further reduce grid demand by incentivising recharging during low-demand periods.

The most effective option for households is to invest in home energy microgeneration systems, such as rooftop solar and small wind turbines. When combined with a large ‘home’ battery, these allow a household to generate and store its own energy. This has two effects: firstly, it provides greater energy independence and minimises reliance on the grid; and secondly, it alleviates pressure on the national grid.

When it comes to EV charging, this stored energy can be deployed outside of peak generation time. It means that households can generate during the day, power their home in the evening, and recharge their EV overnight – all with little to no need for the grid.

At myenergi, we understand the importance of proactivity – our range of eco-smart products is relied upon by households across the UK. For example, our EV charger zappi allows users to recharge their EVs with 100% self-generated renewable energy. Households can also divert renewable energy to domestic heating systems with our power diverter, eddi. We can even help customers automatically optimise energy storage based on the energy being used, how much is generated from renewables, and their electricity tariff, with our intelligent home energy storage system, libbi.

Thousands of myenergi customers are also already playing their part through offering their devices for Demand Side Response (DSR) services, where they essentially remain ‘on standby’ for the grid at times of peak demand, and can adjust their charge rate remotely to either turn down or pause if demand is high and capacity is needed, or turn their consumption up if there is surplus generation that needs to be soaked up to make the grid work as efficiently as possible.

Self-generated

As the number of plug-in vehicles rises, eco-smart devices like these will play a crucial role in enabling consumers to be more energy efficient. We have already witnessed immense progress in the campaign to lower transport and power generation emissions. As the UK progresses towards 2035, it needs to consider the implications of mass EV adoption and better enable households to access self-generated renewables.

Further details are available here

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Over the last three years demand for the EDA’s Product Knowledge Module on Renewables Including EV Charging has jumped by 89%.

Renewables Including EV Charging is one of the 12 EDA’s Product Knowledge Modules created to develop the professional knowledge and confidence of your team. These training modules won a Princess Royal Training Award so you can be assured of their value.

The EDA modules are completely flexible and can be studied in any order or combination. You choose only the training your team needs.

Training in Renewables including EV Charging includes:

• Promotion of uptake of renewables
• Solar photovoltaic
• Electrical energy storage systems
• Electric vehicles
• Heat Pumps
• Wind turbines
• Energy conservation

E-learning option now available via The EDA Academy

All the EDA Product Knowledge Modules are available to study electronically via The EDA Academy, the Association’s e-learning portal. Each training course is delivered through video and interactive learning, but if the original hard copy textbook is preferred these are still available.

Years of knowledge to give your team a commercial edge

City & Guilds accredited, this training programme harnesses decades of combined expertise from product experts at EDA manufacturers and allied trade associations to create an accessible and practical training opportunity for you and your team.

EDA Product Knowledge modules are also approved for Continuing Professional Development by The CPD Certification Service.

Test your knowledge

Have a go at this quiz sampled from the Renewables including EV Charging module. Then check your answers below. If the results show that you need to boost your team’s know-how, talk to the EDA today.

Q1: What does the acronym SSEG stand for?

Q2: Name the two most common forms of PV connection arrangement
Q3: Name the three most common forms of electric vehicles.
Q4: What is the universal socket-outlet type on an AC charger?
Q5: What is the nominal capacity of a battery?
Q6: What is the lower and higher voltage range limits for a 230 V supply in

the UK?

Scroll for answers

Q1: Small-scale embedded generation
Q2: On-grid and off-grid
Q3: HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs
Q4: Type 2
Q5: How much energy a battery can nominally deliver from full charge
Q6: 216.2–253.0 V

How did you do?

Full marks: Well done!

3 – 5 out of 6: Not bad. Could the EDA training help you to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and help you progress in your career?

Less than 3: The EDA Product Knowledge Programme could be just what you need to boost sales.

Watch the video and download the course directory

There’s plenty of information online at www.eda.org.uk including video and downloadable course directory, giving you a summary of what’s covered in each of the 12 training modules.

The EDA team is ready to help. Call 020 3141 7350 or email training@eda.org.uk

For more information, click here

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Stuart James, Sales Director at Marlec, delves into three remarkable domestic products that are enabling homes to become more eco-friendly and showcase Marlec’s commitment to sustainability, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.

The Solar iBoost+ has become a household name, and for good reason. This innovative device seamlessly integrates with existing or new solar systems to divert surplus energy directly to the hot water tank. This ensures that excess solar-generated power doesn’t go back to the grid and is consumed at the property, saving homeowners money on their energy bills.

The Solar iBoost+ has gained popularity among installers and house builders as it enables homes to become more eco-friendly and complies with Part L regulations. In February 2024, the UK Government announced that energy-saving materials and energy storage devices such as Solar iBoost+ are now VAT-exempt when installed, meaning homeowners can enjoy the same tax benefits as those upgrading their homes to have rooftop solar or heat pumps. Since its launch back in 2015, Solar iBoost+ has been installed in over 150,000 and is now available in most electrical wholesalers. Whether homeowners are out during the day or at home, the iBoost ensures solar energy is utilised efficiently, reducing reliance on the grid and saving them money.

The iBoost+ Buddy in-home display is the trusted companion to the Solar iBoost+ and provides real-time insights into available surplus energy from anywhere in the home. With its eco-gauge and digital readout, homeowners can make informed decisions about when to heat their hot water tank, remotely activate the timed boosts and view the Solar iBoost+ savings.

Shifting gears to EV

The automotive industry is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a seismic shift towards cleaner transportation. With the Government’s goal of achieving zero-emission vehicles by 2035, more drivers are transitioning to EVs. However, reliable and efficient home EV chargers are essential to support this move. This is where Marlec’s UK-manufactured EV charger Veva comes in. Launched in 2023 and designed with both homeowners and installers in mind, Veva promises simple installation and useability. Its user-friendly mobile app ensures effortless charging, while installers appreciate the built-in PEN protection, easy-to-access terminals, and multipoint cable entry design, which make installation fast and straightforward. Unlike other chargers on the market, Veva has interchangeable fascias, which enable homeowners to match their chargers to their property aesthetics.

Peace of mind comes as standard with the Veva. Homeowners can use the mobile app to customise their car charging schedules to take advantage of off-peak tariff times. If they have solar panels installed, Veva is solar PV compatible, allowing guilt-free energy use and greener charging options.

Shaping the renewable landscape

Marlec have always worked closely with electrical wholesalers, who play a pivotal role in shaping the renewable energy landscape. Solar iBoost+ and Veva offer compelling reasons for you to stock them. Solar iBoost+ diverts excess solar energy to hot water tanks, reducing reliance on the grid, while Veva offers user-friendly and eco-friendly home EV charging. Both Solar iBoost+ and Veva are available with discounted quantity price breaks. We have a dedicated sales team to help you with any questions. If you want to find out more, please get in touch with our sales team by sales@marlec.co.uk or 01536 201588

For more information, click here

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