Shell buys UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network

Re:Shell buys UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network by FerretFred on Tuesday January 26, 2021 @11:21AM (#25917600)

It makes sense (for Shell) because a lot of streets and buildings in the UK aren't charge-point friendly. Add to that the outdated electrical infrastructure in many places: any more power demand would necessitate upgrading wiring from substations to streets.

What the real problem is though is that successive Governments have failed to properly invest in the right type of power stations, and I'm not sure if renewables could handle the extra projected load. See: https://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/

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Re:Shell buys UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network by ZeroGravitas on Tuesday January 26, 2021 @12:43PM (#25918842)

The National Grid has modelled this and thinks it'll be fine. It's had to issue a few media corrections because apparently the story that electric cars will melt the grid is just too clickbaity to miss out on.

Renewables and electric vehicles are fairly synergistic, particularly wind in the UK.

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Re:Shell buys UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network by barrkel on Tuesday January 26, 2021 @11:55AM (#25918124)

Many lampposts in London have been converted into charging points; you increasingly see electric black cabs parked up and plugged in.

I agree that some streets aren't friendly for parked cars, but the situation is better than e.g. old Roman cities on the continent, where you do see tiny city cars alongside scooters etc.

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Re:Shell buys UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network by 7952 on Tuesday January 26, 2021 @01:48PM (#25919645)

Domestic power load already fluctuates a lot and the grid handles that fine. Most people are not going to need to recharge fully every day and the load could be spread throughout the night.

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