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EV chargers could be mandatory in UK service stations, Shell rolls out forecourt plugs

The UK Government has introduced a bill that would make the installation of charge points at large petrol stations mandatory.


Dubbed the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill, the proposal would lead to the installation of multiple charge plugs being at motorway service stations, along with 8500 other petrol stations across the country.

Should it pass, the bill would almost double the number of charge points available in Great Britain. There are currently 11,500 public plugs in the United Kingdom.

The bill also aims to address concerns about liability in autonomous vehicle accidents, laying blame at the feet of the insurer if a car crashes while driving itself. If the driver isn't insured, has failed to install important updates or modified the car, they will be held responsible.

The news comes as Shell launches its new forecourt-based electric car charging plan. The program, called Shell Recharge, puts 50kW fast chargers on the forecourts of five petrol stations in the UK.

The chargers are able to recharge most electric vehicles to 80 per cent range in around 30 minutes, and will arrive in London before year’s end. Power will come exclusively from renewable sources.

The service will cost 25 pence (around 41 cents) per kWh until the end of June 2018, before jumping to 49 pence (around 82 cents) per kWh in the long term.

Based on that price, it would cost the equivalent of (around) $82 to fully charge a 100kWh Tesla Model S at a Shell service station when full price takes effect.

"Shell Recharge provides Electric Vehicle drivers with a convenient way to charge their cars on-the-go. We’re pleased to offer rapid electric charging on the forecourt, allowing us to broaden the range of fuel choices we deliver," said Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK future fuels manager.

Don't expect to see any similar legislation, or a similar initiative from fuel providers closer to home. The Federal Government has made few steps toward encouraging the development of electric vehicle infrastructure, although some third-parties have taken up the slack.

Along with Tesla Superchargers, the NRMA has just announced plans to build a $10 million network of chargers across New South Wales, all of which will be free for members to use.

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