Working out how electric vehicles can help meet the UK’s net zero targets needs creative thinkers. And who better to take on this challenge than the next generation of road users?
That’s why we welcomed 29 local Year 10 students to our Cobham Services to take part in an exciting EV challenge.
The challenge, created with social value specialist Ahead Partnership, encouraged the students to use what they’ve learned in maths and other STEM subjects in a data science workshop.
With the help of industry experts from the likes of Extra MSA and GRIDSERVE, they explored and investigated the role EVs play in helping the UK reach its targets, and what infrastructure is needed to make that happen, as well as what opportunities and challenges this presents.
They took part in a survey of our facilities at Cobham, learning about initiatives like our GRIDSERVE EV super hub and our 810 solar PV panels, one of the largest installations in UK motorway service history. They also undertook customer surveys to better understand demand for new services and facilities tailored to electric vehicle users, gaining valuable insights into evolving customer needs and behaviours.
The students were then split into teams to develop their own solutions for how to increase EV charging capacity on-site at Cobham, as well as helping to drive customer satisfaction, before presenting these to our panel of experts and volunteers.
We’ve worked with Ahead Partnership since 2017 and are committed to creating a lasting impact by inspiring the next generation of leaders driving innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. This collaboration underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and securing a greener future.
Michael Grantham, ESG Manager at Extra MSA, said: “These incredible Year 10 students are the future of our roads, so it’s essential to get their input and engagement on how we tackle the challenge on sustained EV investment and expansion.
“I’m proud that our ongoing work with Ahead Partnership means that we’re able to involve young people and give them the chance to have their say, as well as seeing how the skills they are learning in school can lead to the green careers of the future.”
To find out more about Ahead Partnership, visit: https://www.aheadpartnership.org.uk/.