HOW ARE SOME GOVERNMENTS SUPPORTING EV CHARGING?

As the electric motorcycle sector continues to expand, some governments around the world are not keeping pace with the change, while others excel.

One of the main concerns for users and potential users of e-motorcycles is the range. It’s largely thought that short commuter journeys, urban navigation, off-road and indoor leisure pastimes are easily catered for. But how about longer distances? What about those long Sunday rides out to the countryside?
There is a race between governments and the EV industry. For the electric-focused market to be successful - and to encourage others to join the movement for a brighter, sustainable future - there needs to be a charging infrastructure to help calm any range anxieties. 

Government directives

Positive strides have been made in the European Union, it has implemented a new regulation requiring all of its countries to have fast EV charging points every 60km on motorways part of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) by 2025. To comply with the “fast charging” part of the law, stations will need to have a total output of 600kW and have at least one charger with a 150kW output. This move helps to promote electric vehicle usage by reducing user range concerns, and is the latest instalment of the EU’s “Fit for 55” initiative which aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.

The EU has also voted for the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE) for all privately owned vehicles from 2035, meaning that you’ll not be able to purchase a new petrol or diesel-powered vehicle. Manufacturers need to follow a plan that witnesses a gradual decrease in CO2 releases and be 100% free of emissions by 2035. 340 MEPs voted in favour of the petrol ban, and 279 MEPs voted against it, while 21 MEPs abstained from taking part in the vote. If you’re in the UK and thinking that Brexit means you might escape this change, think again. Consultation by the UK Government has concluded the same criteria. 

The UK’s initial uptake on the charging issue does seem a little slow. However, when the UK government sees what their French counterparts are introducing, they might be spurred into action. The French government are subsidising suburban and rural service stations so that they can offer battery charging facilities and allow longer-ride enthusiasts their enjoyment. With an infrastructure like this, and T&D’s capable lithium batteries and rapid charging capabilities, the long-distance future is certainly achievable. 

Influence from the private sector

In the USA, the world’s leading electric car manufacturer, Tesla, have recently opened their “Supercharger” stations to non-Tesla EVs, including electric motorcycles. By adapting their electric connectors to fit other vehicles, there has naturally been a flood of new users, allowing electric motorcycle riders to overcome their Achilles heel and go further afield.
 
As lightweight battery technology improves, there will be a natural drop in charging times, meaning refuelling stations across the globe will become busier and cater for non-specific electric brands. The opportunity is right there for global governments to build more charging stations, optimize the infrastructure, and not let Tesla take all the glory!

There are other ways in which our governments can help. As the uptake of electric motorcycles spreads around world, some countries are showing how it is done. Indonesia continues to be a wonderful example; there, the government is helping to speed up the move towards electric drive systems by offering subsidies to anyone who is considering purchasing an electric motorcycle. This “benefit all” strategy is one that other nations should be set to explore; after an initial outlay, the annual savings are considerable. With a population that relies on motorcycles as the main source of transport, the requirement is fundamental for an eco-conscious society. Indonesia is also investing in  the development of battery technology, thus helping riders overcome any fears about charging logistics and battery range. 

Resistance – and solutions

There is still some resistance to the new era of electric drive systems, with the proposed petrol ban viewed by many as unachievable. In July 2022, Italy requested an extension to 2040 for the sanction to be put in place, but this was rejected by the EU. Germany has so far refused to accept the bill, with support from other states including Poland, Romania and Slovakia. 

Although biofuels are being considered by the EU as an alternative to ICE, none have yet received an emission-free status, so a key point of focus remains fully electric-powered mobility. For manufacturers of electric motorcycles, T&D have developed innovative and comprehensive solutions; we manufacture the complete powertrain, meaning that an electric motorcycle brand needs only to deal with one partner to implement an effective drive system. With T&D’s end-to-end service model, the development process is smooth and efficient, with excellent after-sales support enabling easy integration of future upgrades. This is true Electric Evolution.