Could Wales take the lead in the future of e-mobility?
Wales can lead the way on electric social mobility argues Chris Bibb, Director of electrica.live
In April 2019 the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency, in its own words a ‘clear signal that it will not allow the process of leaving the EU to detract from the challenge of climate change, which threatens our health, economy, infrastructure and natural environment’.
In other parts of the UK, a ban on selling new petrol, diesel or hybrid cars has been brought forward by the UK Government from 2040 to 2035, and the Scottish Government aims to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2032.
Reinforcing this thinking is the drive by local authorities to tackle the clean air agenda in Welsh cities and towns and to do all it can to get people thinking outside the norm of jumping in their petrol or diesel car. With micro mobility high on the news agenda, not just because of environmental concerns but because of the Covid-19 impact on future public transport use, there has never been a better time to recognise and understand the opportunities an electric future offers; for the environment, infrastructure development, green energy production and e-leisure opportunities. In all of this, Wales can lead the way!
But in order for an electric future to be embraced, there needs to be a culture change in how we think. Local authorities are rightly looking to lead the way with the introduction of electric taxis and buses and to promote greener fleets weaving through the city streets. But the public is absolutely crucial if we are to make the electric future a reality. The public needs to have confidence in going electric, that it makes sense and is viable, whether it’s an electric car, bike or scooter. It needs to feel real to them and evolution, not revolution, from what they are used to. So how do we bring about this culture change?
There needs to be education and therefore an understanding as to what the electric future looks like and a joined-up approach between politicians, business leaders and the public. The person on the street needs to see and feel the change coming and this has to take many forms.
Firstly, there needs to be greater knowledge of the electric products that are available; that they are economically viable, can perform as well, if not better, than the traditional fossil fuelled vehicles, that they are crucial for a greener environment, and can deliver a new, safer, leisure and lifestyle opportunity.
There needs to be a focus on both infrastructure development, which includes roadside fast charging, street charging and workplace and retail park charging, as well as town and city planning. Planning needs to explore and expand integrated cycle lanes for e-commuting for example, and weave home charging capability into all new house builds. And the charge towards increased green energy production needs to continue so the electric future can be realised in the most sustainable way via solar and wind energy.
Wales can lead the way in this bright future and show it is open for business to this new world, bringing about new investment, job creation and growth in confidence. How? It can engage with and attract organisations to Wales that are delivering on the electric promise, by utilising its automotive enterprise zone in Blaenau Gwent and building on the confidence having such well-known and cutting-edge companies as Aston Martin based in the country brings. There is also hope that Wales can soon boast of a new GigaPlant for battery production in the region if plans by British Volt come to fruition and St Athan is chosen as the preferred location.
Its devolved powers in transport can make new opportunities possible and local authorities can actively introduce clean energy solutions to the daily service industries that we rely upon and seize the initiative for cities to trial e-scooters, something that is being encouraged by the Department for Transport.
The future IS bright, it IS electric, Wales just needs the confidence to harness the lightning!