Feasibility Study
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Phase 1 Applecross EV Charging Feasibility Study PREPARED FOR: Applecross Community Company Urban Foresight® is a multidisciplinary innovation practice that is dedicated to accelerating the next generation of technologies, services and policy frameworks for cities and regions. We work with ambitious organisations around the world on projects that improve lives, protect the environment and boost local economies. © Urban Foresight Ltd, 2020 The Catalyst, 3 Science Square Flour Mill, Newcastle Helix 34 Commercial Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TF Dundee, DD1 3EJ United Kingdom Scotland +44 (0)191 814 2210 +44(0)138 22 40 40 urbanforesight.org [email protected] Executive Summary Urban Foresight were commissioned by Applecross Community Company to undertake a feasibility study on the installation of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Applecross infrastructure and its integration with the 90kW community hydro turbine scheme. EV Landscape The analysis of data suggests that there are already a number of electric vehicles in the area and local infrastructure is currently being utilised, however the expected growth in EVs is in the region of 4,700 vehicles over the next 5 years will have a noticeable impact. Along with the increasing popularity of the NC500 route, Applecross is likely to see the demand for charging dramatically increase in the coming years. A review of the current infrastructure shows a need for chargers in Applecross, a mix of a Rapid and a Fast charger into a hub would support the needs of both residents and tourists, with the introduction of tariffs allowing for revenue generation. Stakeholder Engagement The stakeholders involved in the project have been extremely supportive and positive about the project and have identified a clear desire to link community energy projects to the promotion of electric vehicles. The household survey identified that the large majority of the residents would support the installation of chargers in Applecross and it would encourage them to make the switch to an EV, especially if it was linked to local production of electricity. Site Appraisal A shortlist of 5 feasible sites have been identified, which should be considered by ACC in conjunction with future developments plans for the area and findings from the power section of the report. A number charging scenarios have been identified and ordered in terms of meeting demand and these have been costed at a high-level to allow for comparison. It should be noted the significant cost of both a grid upgrade and a battery storage solution. Power Options An initial analysis of the power required to support the various charging scenarios was carried out with the main finding that any rapid or semi-rapid charger would require a three-phase connection. A review of the power generated from the hydro scheme identified that in theory it provides enough power to meet current demand however the unpredictable nature of the 1 Urban Foresight output would cause significant issues to any charging infrastructure without an additional grid connection. There were 3 options identified for a suitable grid connection, however each one has limitations or would require significant investment. A battery storage solution is the only realistic option to utilise the available hydro power, however the ability of this solution to deliver the required output from a single-phase supply, while being the most cost-effective solution is not readily available. Operating Models 4 operating models have been identified for running the infrastructure with benefits and drawbacks identified for each one, the final decision should be driven by alignment with funding and outcomes required. To ensure the success and sustainability of the chargers a reliable and functional back office is required along with a process for monitoring and dealing with noncompliance, these will also help to improve user experience which is key to repeat business. Business Case Analysis We have carried out a review of future demand, revenue costs and possible income across a number of scenarios, to understand the full cost implications of installing charging infrastructure. We have identified a number of possible tariff options that are in line with other tariffs being introduced across Scotland. Finally, we have analysed the inclusion of hydro which shows a positive impact on the return on investment as well as reviewing the cost of the battery storage solution on its own and how it has a positive impact on investment and would allow for future hydro expansion. Summary and Pathway to Phase 2 detailed Design We have identified a number of key decisions to be made by ACC to progress to a detailed design phase. We have identified 5 possible technology options with pros and cons based on the previous findings. The costs to deliver the various options to the most suitable sites range from £15,500 - £18,500 for a 7kw charger with no battery storage solution or connection to the hydro, to £297,000 - £300,00 for a full scheme that includes a mix of rapid and fast charges and utilises the current and future hydro production through a battery storage solution but requires a grid upgrade to 3 phase. 2 Urban Foresight Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................... 1 Introduction ......................................................................... 5 Approach ............................................................................. 6 EV Landscape ..................................................................... 9 3.1 Current Status .................................................................................... 9 3.2 Anticipating the future ................................................................... 10 3.3 Current Infrastructure ...................................................................... 11 3.4 Car and Van Traffic .......................................................................... 16 3.5 Summary ............................................................................................ 17 Stakeholder Engagement ............................................... 18 4.1 Community Survey to Applecross Residents ............................. 18 4.2 Summary ............................................................................................ 21 Site Appraisal .................................................................... 22 5.1 Identification Process ..................................................................... 22 5.2 Site makeup ...................................................................................... 25 5.3 Site Costing ....................................................................................... 27 5.4 Summary ........................................................................................... 28 Power Options ................................................................. 29 6.1 Charger Requirements .................................................................... 29 6.2 AppleJuice Hydro Turbine .............................................................. 29 6.3 Grid Connectivity ............................................................................. 32 6.4 Battery Storage Technology ......................................................... 35 6.5 Summary ........................................................................................... 37 Operating Models ............................................................. 38 7.1 Commercial models ......................................................................... 38 7.2 Funding .............................................................................................. 39 7.3 Tariffs & Enforcement .................................................................... 39 7.4 Back office .........................................................................................40 7.5 Other Considerations ....................................................................... 41 3 Urban Foresight 7.6 Summary ............................................................................................ 41 Business Case Analysis .................................................. 42 8.1 Method ............................................................................................... 42 8.2 Demand .............................................................................................. 42 8.3 Tariff Scenario .................................................................................. 43 8.4 Assumptions ..................................................................................... 44 8.5 Key findings ...................................................................................... 45 8.6 Including hydro power .................................................................... 46 8.7 Summary ........................................................................................... 49 Summary and Pathway to Phase 2 ............................... 50 9.1 Summary ........................................................................................... 50 9.2 Recommended Actions .................................................................. 52 Appendix I – Household Survey Results ................................. 53 Appendix II – Factfiles .............................................................. 60 Option A .......................................................................................................... 61 Option C ........................................................................................................