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Electric vehicle charging station risks and controls

By Vincent Mossfield | January 20, 2023

Growth in the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the Asia Pacific region is causing insurers to review their exposures to, and terms for, the risks that accompany them.
Risk and Analytics
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Introduction

The Asia-Pacific electric vehicle (EV) charging station market was valued at approximately USD800 million in 2021 and is expected to reach a value of USD115 billion approximately by the year 2029.1 Government initiatives driving the adoption of EV’s, the rising demand for EV fast-charging infrastructure, and the increasing deployment of EV’s by shared mobility scheme operators are all key factors that are driving the growth of the electric vehicle charging stations market in the Asia-Pacific.2

This article, which is based on a representative literature review, explores the risks associated with the operation of EV charging stations. It further highlights risk control measures and insurance considerations to mitigate these risks.

EV charging station categories, installation locations and developers

There are three categories of charging stations currently available. In 2020, level 2 charges dominated the market, however level 3 charges are expected to grow at a higher rate moving forward.3 (See below.)

Level 1 charging (120 Volts)

This is an AC (alternate current) charging system that is the slowest charging method. It is sufficient for overnight charging, and a daily travel range of 48-64 kilometers. Charging cables are usually provided with the vehicle and can be plugged into a standard wall socket with no equipment installation required. It takes 17 hours on average to charge a 24 kWh battery pack.4

Level 2 charging (220/240 Volts)

Most are AC charging systems, although some level 2 DC (direct current) chargers are available in the market. They require the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a dedicated 208 volt or 240 volt electric circuit. AC chargers use the same standard connector as Level 1. They can be used at home, however 240 volts and a 200-amp home electrical panel are required. They are more common in public charging stations and take eight hours on average to charge a 24 kWh battery pack.5

Level 3 charging (480 Volts)

This is a DC fast charging system. It requires a 480 volt connection which is generally considered unsuitable for home use and it may not be possible to charge some EV models using a level 3 charging system. The average charging time for a 24 kWh battery back is 30 minutes.6

Installation locations

EV charging stations may be located in individual houses, parking facilities including those for apartment, office or retail buildings, purpose built charging stations (similar to gas/petrol stations), and individual curb-side stations. In 2020, the individual house segment accounted for the largest share in installation type, as most EV owners prefer to charge their vehicles at home.7

Electric vehicle charging station developers and operators in Asia

As at May 2022, the top seven EV charging station companies in Asia are all located in China, India and Taiwan (see table below):8

Top 7 EV charging station companies in Asia
Geography Developer/operator
China Hangzhou AoNeng Power Supply Equipment Company Ltd.
China Wam Xingxing Charging Technology Company Ltd., Changzhou
India Magenta Power Private Ltd., Koparkhairne
Taiwan Delta Electronics Incorporated, Taipei
India EV Motors India Private Ltd., Noida
China Xpeng Motors, Guangzhou
India Tata Power Company Ltd., Mumbai

EV charging station risks

The main risks associated with EV charging stations are:

Fire hazard

Fire is the number one hazard when it comes to EVSE installations. The most common cause related to the installations themselves is outdated electrical wiring and power supplies within the building or structure where the charger is installed.9 Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries within EV vehicles may also be a potential source of high-voltage fires.

Electric shock

Regardless of the installation location, the high voltages (120-480V) required to charge EVs leaves users potentially vulnerable to electrocution when charging their vehicles. Damage to cables and charging equipment, through wear and tear, accidental damage, vandalism, theft or otherwise, can increase the risk of electric shock.10 Another potential source of electric shock is ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) failure.11

Cybersecurity

Identified cyber risks associated with EV charge stations range from loss of personal identifiable, billing or financial information to the compromise of partner networks, damage to battery or other EV components, compromise of life safety systems, malfunctioning of EVSE, and bulk power system frequency increase.12

Associated risks

Other risks which may be associated with one or more of the above, include charger siting location and layout risks, safe maintenance, inspection and repair, firefighting and emergency response, planned and unplanned disconnection and reconnection to primary power sources, and unauthorized access to high voltage electrical equipment, connections and cabinets.

Download the PDF for more insights on risk control measures and insurance considerations to mitigate risks mentioned above.

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References

1 Asia-Pacific Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029, Data Bridge Market Research, 2022.
2 Top 7 Companies in Asia-Pacific Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market, Meticulous Research, 2022.
3 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, GNY Insurance, 2022
4 Electric Vehicle Power Transfer Systems, Article 625, National Electrical Code, U.S.A., 2022.
5 Electric Car Charging Overview, DriveClean, California Air Resource Board, 2021.
6 Why safety matters when it comes to EV charging stations, Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine, 2021.
7 5 Common Risks for Electric Vehicle Users at Charging Stations – and How to Reduce Them, MS Amlin Insurance, 2022.
8 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Cybersecurity and Risk Management, ResiliAnt, 2022.
9 Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation – Code of Practice (4th Edition),The Institute of Engineering Technology, U.K., 2020.
10 RC59: Recommendations for fire safety when charging electric vehicles, RISCAuthority and Fire Protection Association (FPA), UK, 2021.
11 Supercharger Emergency Response Guide, Revision 1.0, Tesla, 2020.
12 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Insurance (For EV Cars), EK Insurance, USA.

Disclaimer

Willis Towers Watson is an insurance broker, and gives its views on the meaning or interpretation of insurance policy wording as brokers experienced in the insurance market. Insurers may take a different view on the meaning of policy wordings. Any interpretation or thoughts given are not legal advice, and they should not be interpreted or relied upon as such. Should a legal interpretation of an insurance contract be required, please seek your own advice from a suitably qualified lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction. While all reasonable skill and care has been taken in preparation of this document it should not be construed or relied upon as a substitute for specific advice on your insurance needs. No warranty or liability is accepted by Willis Towers Watson, their shareholders, directors, employees, other affiliated entities for any statement, error or omission.

For more information, please contact local entities of Willis Towers Watson Group:

Willis Towers Watson Brokers (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Willis Hong Kong Limited | PT Willis Towers Watson Insurance Broker Indonesia | WTW Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Philippines, Inc. | Willis Towers Watson Vietnam Insurance Broker | Willis Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd. | Willis Towers Watson Taiwan Limited | Willis Towers Watson Insurance Korea Limited | Willis Japan Services K.K. | Malaysia – Willis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd | Willis Towers Watson India Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.

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ISO 14001 Auditor and Regional
Director Liability Risk Practice, Asia
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