CLM at the EV Infrastructure and Energy Summit

On October 1st and 2nd, CLM’s very own Laura Wilson and Ella Bryant had the privilege of attending the EV Infrastructure and Energy Summit. This exciting event brought together key industry leaders and innovators to explore the future of sustainable energy and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Laura and Ella embraced the opportunity to connect with professionals passionate about shaping the future of clean energy and mobility.

Engaging with Industry Leaders and Innovators

The summit was packed with opportunities to engage, learn, and exchange ideas. Laura and Ella participated in several keynotes and sessions, where they explored the latest developments in EV infrastructure, from smart charging solutions to government policies driving the EV revolution.

Networking Highlights
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was networking with industry peers and experts. Laura and Ella relished the chance to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations that could drive future innovation. The energy at the summit was contagious, with everyone aligned on one vision: accelerating the transition to a sustainable, electric future.

Keynote by Lilian Greenwood: Government’s Plans for EV Rollout

Whilst CLM were unable to attend Lillian Greenwood’s talk, it was a highlight of the summit and was an insightful keynote focusing on the government’s ambitious plans for EV rollout and the critical infrastructure needed to support it. Lilian outlined smart charging infrastructure developments and emphasised the importance of public and private sector collaboration in building a robust, future-proof network. The audience were inspired by Greenwood’s vision and came away with valuable insights on how government initiatives will shape the landscape for companies like CLM, particularly in the areas of charging infrastructure and energy efficiency. 

Laura and Ella did, however, listen to some thought-provoking talks including:

Navigating Grid Constraints for EV Charging Integration:

• The session highlighted the growing need for increased capacity to meet the demands of expanding EV charging infrastructure.
• It emphasised the challenges posed by an outdated electricity system that requires significant reinforcement.
• Additionally, the discussion touched on the difficulties in obtaining consents for necessary network upgrades, which can delay progress.

ICP and IDNO ‘101’ – Panel Discussion:

• The panel, featuring David Swadling of Eclipse Networks, provided an overview of Independent Connection Providers (ICP) and Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNO).
• The discussion likely covered the roles and responsibilities of ICPs and IDNOs in connecting EV charging infrastructure to the grid, along with their benefits in speeding up and simplifying the process of securing connections.

From Grid to Charger:

• Led by David Conde, Founder of DACI, the session emphasised the critical role of detailed design work early in the EV infrastructure development process.
• It focused on how early, comprehensive planning can help reduce unforeseen risks, ensuring smoother project execution from grid connection to the final installation of EV chargers.

Transitioning the London Bus Fleet:

• The session showcased CLM’s contributions to electrification efforts at specific London bus sites.
• It explored the challenges involved in transitioning the fleet, such as infrastructure upgrades and operational adjustments, while also highlighting ongoing trials of new technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of bus electrification.

Scaling up Local EV Charging Infrastructure:

• This session involved a broad discussion on the strategies and challenges of expanding EV charging infrastructure at the local level.
• It focused on how to scale up infrastructure efficiently to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, addressing issues such as planning, investment, and the coordination needed to support widespread adoption.

From 200 EVs to 600+ in One Year:

• This session highlighted the remarkable growth in First Bus’s electric vehicle fleet, expanding from 200 to over 600 EVs in just one year.
• CLM played a pivotal role in this achievement, contributing through an IDNO collaboration with MUA, which was instrumental in scaling the charging infrastructure needed to support this rapid fleet expansion in the following locations: Leicester, York, Norwich, Summercourt, Hoeford, Priory Road and Hengrove.

The Role of Destination Charging:

• The session emphasised the necessity of aligning the types of EV chargers with their specific locations to maximise efficiency.
• It also addressed critical factors such as the costs and timelines associated with grid connections, the need for network reinforcements, and the legal obstacles that can impact the deployment of charging infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

Attending the EV Infrastructure and Energy Summit provided Laura and Ella with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. They returned energised, ready to bring new ideas to CLM as the company continues to support the transition to cleaner, greener energy solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates as CLM stays at the forefront of the rapidly evolving EV landscape!

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