Project Skyline, an initiative created by a UK consortium to support the EV switch, has welcome four new members who will share EV purchase and chargepoint data to help forecast the uptake in EV ownership and inform infrastructure requirements.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and UK Power Networks are working together, in partnership with ElectraLink, CrowdCharge and the Energy Innovation Centre to deliver Skyline. This project aims to enable the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to pinpoint when and where new electricity demand to charge EVs is coming from.
The Skyline team is collaborating with Volkswagen UK group and is also engaging with further organisations to share EV purchase data with the project.
Katie Benson, Volkswagen UK group business lead for electric vehicles, said: “We are delighted to join the Skyline Project to support the modernisation of the domestic charging network. Ensuring the right capacity is there will accelerate the move to emissions-free, connected mobility for all.”
Signatories to the project to provide EV-related data now includes Auto Trader; EV van leasing organisation DriveElectric; electrified transport solutions provider Hangar-19 and smart charging tariff comparison website Rightcharge.
Sharing data such as EV purchase queries, sales and chargepoint installations will provide early visibility of EV infrastructure being connected to Britain’s electricity distribution networks, the project said. It aims to enable DNOs to improve the customer journey when installing chargepoints and manage increasing demand on the network more efficiently.
According to Skyline, better data allows better informed decisions around where and when to invest in flexibility, target network reinforcement and ensure the electricity network is prepared to deliver net zero at the most efficient cost.
Richard Hartshorn, EV readiness manager for SSEN, added: “It is very encouraging to see such enthusiasm from the EV sector to participate in Project Skyline. A data-driven approach to planning the future of our networks allows increased confidence in our decision-making and makes unparalleled accuracy possible. The greater the variety of data types in our arsenal, the better our forecasting for electricity demand on our networks.
“Skyline will allow us to be proactive through the EV transition, ensuring power supplies stay reliable and the customers’ journey to cleaner transport is smooth.”
