Electric vehicle trade bodies join forces

The UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association (UK EVSE) will merge with the REA's EV Forum to provide a unified voice for the sector.

Members of UK EVSE will join the REA in the coming weeks, merging with a 75-strong group of companies involved in installing, operating, manufacturing, financing, and providing services for the charging industry.

Many will also gain access to other REA member groups, such as the Solar Forum and Energy Storage Forum, deepening the sector's expertise.

It is hoped that the merger between the two trade bodies will result in a robust and coherent representation of the industry to the government, media, and other key sector stakeholders.

REA chief executive Dr Nina Skorupska CBE said: “We are stronger when we work together. The integration of UK EVSE with the REA's EV Forum means centralising resources, concentrating collective expertise, and ensuring coherent communications to government.

“We hope that this move will both deepen the REA's expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure but also empower our new members with knowledge and skill in our other work areas, such as that in solar and energy storage, all of which are converging at a rapid rate.“

Cenex, which provided secretariat services to UK EVSE and chaired the group, will now join the REA EV steering group.

It is hoped that this will give the REA deepened technical expertise in charge point technology, installation, and operations, enabling it to better respond to key industry debates relating to standards, data, and the electricity grid.

This comes after registrations of battery electric cars surged to record levels last year, despite an overall decline in new car sales, with today's merger providing a further boost for the sector.

Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “People in the UK should have the best opportunities to make the switch to cleaner cars, that's why we are working closely with industry to bring world-leading expertise into creating, running and charging these vehicles.

“This merger signals an important joining of forces for the sector, and I hope to see them power forward more innovations for drivers everywhere.“

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