The transition to electric vehicles is a key part of the global goal of lowering carbon emissions and reducing our reliance on burning fossil fuels.
To achieve the true green energy potential of electric vehicles, though, it’s important the electricity that we’re putting into electric cars comes from sustainable energy sources.
By using renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, to power electric cars it’s possible to create an ecosystem of clean transport. This in turn will help the UK – and the world – hit its carbon emissions targets and tackle global climate change.
So, how can you make sure you’re charging your electric vehicle with renewable energy?
Renewable energy sources explained
Before we explore renewable energy EV charging, let’s take a look at the top five sources of green energy. Globally, these are solar, wind, hydropower, biomass and geothermal.
Solar energy uses photovoltaic panels to harness the rays from the sun to generate electricity, while wind power is generated via huge turbines – often located off the coast where it’s particularly breezy.
Hydropower is similar to wind in that it generates electricity from spinning turbines, but rather than air it uses flowing water – typically tidal or in dams.
Green electricity can also be generated by burning organic matter such as wood, algae or farm waste – this is what is known as biomass energy.
The final, and least common is geothermal. This works by extracting heat from the Earth’s core and converting it into electricity.
In the UK, wind power is the biggest contributor to the National Grid, although during summer solar energy makes up a big proportion of the renewable energy generation split.
Green electric car charging infrastructure
At GRIDSERVE, we believe that when you plug in your electric car, you should do so knowing that you’re getting renewable electricity pumped back into your EV’s battery.
That’s why our chargers are powered by 100% net zero carbon energy including power sleeved from the company’s pioneering hybrid solar and battery farms.
We also have solar panels on our Electric Forecourts that help power the building facilities to further reduce the need to burn fossil fuels, while at our EV charging station at Cornwall Services we use a solar canopy connected to on-site battery storage to support EV charging when the electricity grid needs a helping hand.
Regardless of when and where you plug in, around a third of your electricity will be from renewable energy sources. That’s because over the past year in the UK, 29% of energy came from wind, 6% from solar, 7% from biomass and 1% from hydroelectric.
These numbers will only increase as the UK moves away from fossil fuels and further embraces renewable energy as part of its transition to 100% clean electricity by 2035.
Charging your EV at home with renewable energy
Charging electric vehicles with renewable electricity is even easier at home than at public charging stations as you have much more control over when and how you charge.
For example, you can install solar panels on your roof to generate renewable energy for your home, which in turn can be used to charge your EV, as well as boil the kettle.
Home charging points also provide smart EV charging by optimising charging during off peak times when there’s less reliance on fossil fuels. Not only is this better for the environment, it’s also much more cost-effective.
Many energy companies will also offer green tariffs and specific EV home charging deals, so you can ensure that all your home electricity comes from renewable energy sources and is at the best price for your usage.
There’s also the option to use vehicle-to-grid technology, which allows you to give energy back to the grid from your EV at peak times. This reduces national energy generation and makes money for you. Win win.
