What’s in the Guide?

• Introduction to EV charging at councils
• Planning & strategy
• Site selection & preparation
• Choosing the right charging equipment
• Installation & maintenance
• Billing and payment solutions
• Promoting EV charging in council communities
• Sustainability & environmental considerations
• Regulatory compliance
• EV charging statistics
• Next steps

As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, councils play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and providing essential charging services to residents and visitors.

Introduction to EV Charging for Councils

The Importance of EV Charging Infrastructure

EV charging infrastructure is critical for councils as it supports the UK’s green energy goals, reduces carbon emissions, and contributes to cleaner air. Promoting EV adoption can also stimulate economic growth by attracting green businesses and tech-savvy residents.

Benefits for Local Councils

There are many benefits for local councils in installing public EV charge points for the community.

Economic Development

EV infrastructure can encourage tourism and business growth by making areas more attractive to electric vehicle owners.

Revenue Generation

Councils can generate revenue through charging fees and partnership agreements with charging network operators.

Planning & Strategy

Identifying Stakeholders

Involve residents, business associations, local utilities, environmental groups, and local government agencies in the planning process of EV chargers. Collaborative input ensures that the project addresses the diverse needs of the community.

Setting Objectives

Set clear objectives, such as the number of EV charge points, service quality, and desired emissions reductions. Objectives should be in alignment with the council’s sustainability and transportation goals.

Budgeting & Funding

Explore various funding sources, including grants, public-private partnerships, and revenue generated from charging fees. A diversified funding approach can make the project more financially viable.

 

Site Selection & Preparation

Site Assessment

Consider site accessibility, traffic patterns, proximity to amenities, and anticipated usage when assessing a site. Site assessments should account for local conditions and community needs.

Infrastructure Requirements

Evaluate the current electrical infrastructure and determine if upgrades or modifications are necessary to support the desired number and type of charging stations. A professional EV charge point provider will be able to assist with ensuring the site has the requirements it needs. 

Permitting & Regulations

Understand UK regulations, including Building Regulations and the Electric Chargepoint Scheme. Secure the necessary permits and ensure full compliance with local and national laws, including accessibility standards.

Choosing the Right Charging Equipment

Types of Charging Stations

Consider the mix of charging stations based on your community’s needs. Level 2 chargers are suitable for slow or overnight charging, while DC fast chargers are essential for rapid charging, serving residents and travellers with limited time to spare. Level 2 chargers may be better for on-street parking, whereas rapid chargers could be a good choice for car parks. 

Charging Speed & Compatibility

Analyze the charging speed and compatibility requirements of the EV chargers, considering the most popular EV models and their charging standards (e.g., Type 2, CHAdeMO, CCS), ensuring your charging stations meet user demand.

Smart Charging Features

Explore smart charging options that offer features such as remote monitoring, energy management, user notifications, and data analytics. Smart features can help improve the user experience and optimise energy usage.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation Process

The installation process must adhere to safety regulations and industry best practices. Certified engineers and EV charge point installers should be involved to ensure the safety and quality of installations.

Ongoing Maintenance

Establish a maintenance schedule that includes routine inspections, repairs, and software updates. This ensures that charging stations remain in optimal condition, reducing downtime and providing a reliable service to users. Our inCharge service provides 24/7 maintenance support.

Billing & Payment Solutions

Billing Models

Consider diverse billing models such as free charging, pay-per-use, and subscription-based services. Choose models that align with your council’s objectives and the preferences of your community.

Payment Methods

Implement various user-friendly payment options to cater to different user preferences. This may include contactless payments, mobile apps, credit card payments, and the integration of payment with local council services. 

User Management

Establish user account systems that allow residents to track their charging history, manage their accounts, and receive alerts for maintenance or pricing changes. This system also enables effective user support. Discover how we use iEquos software to provide a fully managed service to our customers. 

Promoting EV Charging in Your Community

Marketing & Outreach

Develop a robust marketing strategy that includes online and offline promotions, community engagement events, and partnerships with local businesses. Use social media, local news outlets, and community events to raise awareness of the available EV charge points.

Educational Initiatives

Organise educational programs and workshops to inform the community about the benefits of electric vehicles, charging procedures, and the environmental impact of EV adoption. Partner with local schools and community organisations to integrate sustainability education into the curriculum.

Sustainability & Environmental Considerations

Renewable Energy Integration

Explore the possibilities of powering the charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also showcases the council’s commitment to sustainability.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Continuously measure and assess the carbon footprint of your charging infrastructure. Implement energy-efficient equipment, smart charging algorithms, and other strategies to reduce the environmental impact of your charging network.

 

Regulatory Compliance

Legal Requirements

Stay updated on and comply with legal requirements, including the Building Regulations and the Equality Act. Ensuring your charging infrastructure is accessible, safe, and follows all relevant guidelines is essential.

Accessibility Standards

Implement charging stations that are compliant with accessibility standards to ensure that all residents, including those with disabilities, can easily access and use the infrastructure.

 

EV Charging Statistics

• Over 17,000 residential on-street chargers have been installed in the UK, with 75% of these being in London. 
• Only 69% of councils across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have installed on-street EV chargers. 

 

Next Steps

Local councils can play a significant role in promoting sustainable transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and providing an essential service to their communities! Whether you are a council leader, a sustainability officer, or a community organiser, this guide will help you navigate the process of implementing EV charging infrastructure in your area.

To discuss your community needs when it comes to EV charging, speak to the team. We’ll provide you with a free quote and industry advice. Call us on 0330 002 1154 or click here.