In this blog, our Chief Technological Officer Peter Shadbolt outlines how EZ-Charge can contribute to delivering an effective, ultra-reliable EV charging network for the UK.
Since 2018, the rate of progress in EV infrastructure in the UK has followed a steep curve, with an increase of 10,000 charging points seen between February and October of 2023 alone. While this moment is crucial and makes the UK a world leader in the transition to EV, there is still quite a way to go to achieve the Government target of 300,000 charging points by 2030.
With convenience, reliability and cost being key considerations for EV users and site owners alike, it is vitally important that quality as much as quantity guides the delivery of EV charging infrastructure going forward.
Thanks to our experience of delivering the largest public charging network in Oxfordshire and our unrivalled industry knowledge, we are confident we can help both drivers and site owners make the transition to an all-electric future.
Community-focused charging
With applications now open for the first tranche of Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, local authorities are poised to become prominent players in the future development of the country’s EV infrastructure. The role of the public sector is especially important as off-street car parks make ideal sites for EV charging. Often located in residential areas, public car park charging points extend EV access to those who may not have the option of charging at home, and overnight charging provides use of the space that may otherwise be vacant, as well as the option to charge at a lower cost with dual band tariffs.
Our experience of Park & Charge Oxfordshire saw us work closely with the county and four district councils to deliver 250 charging points across 20 sites to create the largest public network in Oxfordshire. This success story underscores our expertise in delivering community EV charging infrastructure in partnership with the public sector and is the gold standard to be replicated across the country.
Joined-up thinking
The key to a robust charging network lies in providing convenient and accessible charging points across a diverse array of sites to attract the greatest number of EV users. This means efficiently using space not only in the public sector, but also by fostering collaboration with the private sector to deliver an effective charging infrastructure mix.
By installing charging points on their premises, private businesses are often able to provide services that are conveniently situated close to town and city centres and major roads.
Installing charging points also serves to boost the appeal of business facilities, which can increase footfall and time spent on site by customers. Businesses will also benefit from the introduction of a new revenue stream as our partnership model ensures that gains are always shared.
Meeting users’ needs
While the rate of public charging point installation must continue to increase to meet targets, numbers alone will not be sufficient to build a network that encourages drivers to make the switch to EV. In addition to placing charging points in convenient locations, the varying requirements of different EV users must be placed front and centre of infrastructure planning.
‘Long stay’ or overnight charging delivered by our 22 kW AC chargers would be most appropriate for locations where the user intends to leave the car charging for a prolonged period of time. In the public sector this includes car parks and in the private sector, this could be suitable in hotels, spas, sports clubs, and attractions such as theme parks.
However, many EV drivers are simply looking to ‘top-up’ their charge or will only be on site for short periods of time, for example, at a service station, where ultra-rapid, 100kW+ DC chargers are required.
Our solution
The challenge is to identify and deliver the optimal charging point mix based on ease of access, balanced geographical distribution and meeting user requirements.
By partnering with EZ-Charge, site owners benefit from our knowledge and expertise and help deliver a resilient, reliable and user-friendly EV charging network for the UK.
To speak to a member of our expert team, contact us at info@ez-charge.co.uk or fill out the contact form on our website.
