ES Views: Going electric presents a charging-point challenge

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Charging: An Uber car at a charging point.
PA
31 July 2017
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Any serious effort to improve air quality deserves applause but if the Government is to achieve its target of replacing diesel and petrol vehicles with electric ones in the next few decades there’s one factor that requires urgent attention.

Making a change on our roads of the scale proposed will require an enormous network of charging points, which begs the question: where will we find the skilled technicians to install them?

The skills gap is already having an impact on the utilities and construction sector that may see the Government miss its target for Smart electricity meters in homes. If the ambition for electric vehicles is to be realised, we need to consider the training implications now and ensure that structures are in place to deliver the next generation of technicians.

This means thinking long-term. Many of the individuals who will be required to install charge points are in primary school now, so the drive for electric cars is another reason why we must do more to promote careers in engineering, energy, utilities and construction for children and young people.

As a specialist training provider to the utilities and construction sector we are ready to play our part, but the Government’s track record with regards to industry has too often been too little, too late. When it comes to heralding the age of electric cars, it would be a shame if this laudable and lofty vision for cleaner air turns out to be hot air as a result.
Chris Wood, CEO, Develop Training

Before we all chase down the idea of using electric cars, let’s consider some of the possible downsides.

The first is that the electricity has to be generated. How are we going to do that? The current programmes for wind power and other “green” energy supplies will in no way cover the surge required, so do we have to generate the power from traditional non-green sources?

Also, the deposits of lithium throughout the world are not infinite, and I understand that a lot of these reserves are controlled by China. We have to analyse the cost of manufacturing these batteries in both monetary and energy terms before going ahead with electric cars.
Andy Brewer


With all this pressure to get drivers into electric vehicles, it will be interesting to see how many London councils will give up their cash-cow parking bays in favour of electric vehicle charging docks.

I wonder if we might see a further erosion of road space and proliferation of pavement clutter, similar to the Boris Bike scheme? Some councils will surely already be looking into ways to punish those who cannot afford to replace their diesel or petrol car with a battery equivalent.
G Crane


Surely fuels can become toxin-free?

Why is the Government planning to ban diesel and petrol cars by 2040? After all, it is not the cars themselves that pollute, it is the fuels the cars use that are the problem.

I wonder if scientists, for example, can perhaps find a way of removing the toxins from the fuel? It surely cannot be beyond the whit of man to do this, given the recent technological advancements.

I do support the need to improve air quality as I have a long-term lung disease that requires me to use oxygen. As a result, I have been looking to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle but have found them far too expensive to buy and insure on my limited income.

I hope this will soon change when they become more commonplace.

Stuart Robinson

So the Government has made a ridiculous vow to ban all petrol and diesel cars by 2040. If it wants to improve air quality, may I suggest that it gets rid of all bus and cycle lanes, which seem to cause more congestion than anything else?
T Sayer

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Students have such business potential

Student entrepreneurs have long used academic environments to form brilliant business ideas. Our university system is also an incubator for top-quality talent, with an 11 per cent increase in the number of people studying for degrees in business and administration. So why aren’t we nurturing this spirit even earlier?

While university partnerships with businesses are commonplace, partnerships with schools are comparatively lacking. Our education system should ensure that business, finance and entrepreneurial skills are embedded into the curriculum.

For those students who later start their own businesses and those who choose a different path, these skills will provide an invaluable foundation for their future careers.
Alison Baines, principal, Bellerbys College London


Britain has sunk to an all-time low

With confusion at the heart of the Government’s Brexit policy [“Brexit plans in chaos as minister says 2019 will be end of free movement”, July 27] and our blundering ministers on overseas trips [“Aussie verdict: bumbling blond wombat”, July 27], one wonders how much more embarrassment this nation can take?

It was only just over a year ago that we were respected on the world stage. While other countries did not always agree with us, the UK was renowned for its sound judgment and pragmatic decision-making.

How painful it is to see this great nation so humbled.
Rohan Moorthy


There is logic in buses going slow

In response to Fiona Weir [Letters, July 25], I am a London bus driver who knows that due to the time schedules we are given, driving at 20mph would mean permanently running late.

Bus drivers have to break the speed limit just to keep up with the timetable. Passengers often ask me why I am driving so slowly, especially on their way to work.

Transport for London should make allowances for buses to run at 20mph.
Paul Ganney

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Spurs are right to keep faith in youth

Your columnist, Tony Evans, is absolutely right to praise Tottenham’s cautious approach to the summer transfer window. With such great talent coming through at White Hart Lane, why would they sign average players for such inflated fees?

We have already seen the potential of Josh Onomah and Kyle Walker-Peters in substitute appearances and pre-season friendlies, and no doubt there are many more who, like them, will come through to be part of the first-team squad.

When you consider the effect manager Mauricio Pochettino has had on Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks, it could be a working formula. Regardless, it is good to see a big club finally placing faith in their youth. Chelsea and Arsenal could learn a thing or two.
Nathan Clarke

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