THE UK’S electric vehicle charging infrastructure sector seeks a clear voice as two leading trade associations representing the industry are set to merge.
The UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association, established in 2013, will join forces with the Renewable Energy Association’s EV Forum, established in 2017.
Tanya Sinclair, Director of Policy UK & Ireland at ChargePoint and Chair of the REA EV Forum commented on the news: “This announcement sends a clear message to those involved in manufacturing, installing, operating, and providing services to the charging infrastructure sector that the Renewable Energy Association is the go-to association for the industry.
“This tie-up will result in a more joined-up voice to Government and represents progress for our rapidly maturing sector.”
Members of UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association are set to join the Renewable Energy Association in the coming weeks, and will join a 75-strong group of companies involved in installing, operating, manufacturing, financing, and providing services to the charging industry in the UK.
Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex and Chair of UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association commented: “I am proud of the work we have done as UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association, championing the interests of the charge point sector, working with the support of members past and present.
“We have come an enormous way as a sector.
“The Association has been provided a voice for charge point providers and network operators during a period of rapid evolution in policy and the market.
“Now, with the Road to Zero Strategy and final report of the EV Energy Taskforce, a clear roadmap exists for what comes next.
“With the number of participants in the market burgeoning, now is the right moment for us to come together to ensure a well-resourced industry group.
“I look forward to continued involvement in key industry debates as part of the Renewable Energy Association.”
Many will additionally gain access to other Renewable Energy Association member groups, such as the Solar Forum and Energy Storage Forum, which will deepen the sector’s expertise.
The result will be ‘a robust and coherent representation of the sector to Government’, the media, and other key sector stakeholders.
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, commented: “We are stronger when we work together.
“The integration of UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association with the Renewable Energy Association’s EV Forum means centralising resources, concentrating collective expertise, and ensuring coherent communications to Government.
“We hope that this move will both deepen the Association’s expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure but also empower our new members with knowledge and skill in our other work areas, such as that in solar and energy storage, all of which are converging at a rapid rate.
“We welcome our new members and will continue to work to provide a progressive and effective voice for the charging infrastructure and wider renewable energy sector.”
The addition of Cenex to the Renewable Energy Association EV Steering Group will give the Association deepened technical expertise in charge point technology, installation, and operations, enabling it to better respond to key industry debates relating to standards, data, and the electricity grid.
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “People in the UK should have the best opportunities to make the switch to cleaner cars, that’s why we are working closely with industry to bring world-leading expertise into creating, running and charging these vehicles.
“This merger signals an important joining of forces for the sector, and I hope to see them power forward more innovations for drivers everywhere.”
