As the UK accelerates towards achieving the ambitious targets set by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which came into effect at the start of 2024, deploying a comprehensive network of EV charge points to support the mandate presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. 

The ZEV mandate sets out that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will now be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035.

The successful rollout of EV infrastructure is crucial not only for meeting national emission reduction goals but also for facilitating widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). 

Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach, and leveraging data and visualisation tools can play a pivotal role in overcoming the hurdles associated with EV charge point deployment. In this blog, we delve into the top three blockers to EV charge point rollout in the UK and explore how granular data solutions can help address these issues effectively.

‍

1. Infrastructure Planning and Site Selection

The Challenge: One of the most significant obstacles in the EV charge point rollout is determining the optimal locations for the installation of EV charge points. Charge points need to be placed strategically in areas with high demand, convenient access, and adequate power supply. Poor site selection can result in either underutilised infrastructure or, conversely, long wait times for users, both of which can undermine the effectiveness of the charging network.

How Data Can Help: Granular data on pavement suitability for on-street charge points, off-street parking availability, and existing charge points provides valuable insights into current and anticipated charging needs. 

This data helps stakeholders understand where EV owners are most likely to need access to charging facilities. By integrating this geospatial data with demographic information and real-time traffic patterns, stakeholders can identify optimal locations for new charge points. 

Granular data can also forecast future demand based on trends in EV adoption and population growth, ensuring that the deployment of infrastructure is both timely and scalable. For example, data can reveal areas with high concentrations of residents without off-street parking, highlighting locations where public charging stations are crucial.

‍

2. Electricity Grid Capacity and Energy Supply

The Challenge: The surge in electricity demand from EV charge points places additional strain on local grids, particularly in areas where the existing infrastructure is already under pressure. Without careful planning, this increased demand can lead to power outages or require costly upgrades to the grid, which can delay the deployment of new charge points and increase overall costs.

How Data Can Help: Data on with available capacity within electricity substation supply areas is essential for optimising the placement of new EV charge points. By analysing substation capacity and available generation headroom, planners and charge point solution providers can determine the best locations for new EV charge point installations that align with existing grid capabilities. Pre screening EV charge point sites using substation data can help identify optimal connection points for new charge points, minimises the risk of overloading the grid and avoids the risk of connection requests being rejected due to insufficient grid capacity. 

‍

3. High Installation Costs and Funding

The Challenge: The cost of installing EV charge points can be substantial. These costs encompass not only the hardware and installation but also potential grid upgrades, land acquisition, and ongoing maintenance. For many stakeholders, these financial barriers can be a significant deterrent to rapid deployment. Additionally Securing funding for EV charge points is challenging without data-backed evidence. Without clear data on demand, location viability, and ROI, it becomes difficult to justify the financial risks associated with the infrastructure.

How Data Can Help: While granular data alone can be valuable for EV charge point site selection, integrating it with visualisation tools like the award winning LAEP+ (Local Area Energy Planner Plus) platform provides charge point operators and planners the ability to model the network impact, cost to deploy and carbon avoidance. This data-backed approach supports funding applications by providing evidence of the potential ROI and demonstrating the viability of projects.

‍

Read More: Empowering Birmingham City Council's EV Charging Strategy with LAEP+ and Granular Data

‍

Conclusion: Data as the Catalyst for Accelerated EV Charge Point Deployment

The effective rollout of EV charge points is crucial for enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles and achieving broader carbon reduction objectives. While there are significant challenges to address, data and visualisation tools such as LAEP+ offer powerful solutions for overcoming these obstacles. By leveraging granular data, stakeholders can optimise EV charge point site selection, manage grid capacity, and navigate high installation costs more effectively.

As the UK continues to invest in and develop its EV charging infrastructure, integrating granular data and digital twins such as LAEP+ will be essential for ensuring that deployment efforts are both efficient and effective. Harnessing the power of data allows us to address the blockers to EV charge point rollout head-on and drive the transition to a cleaner, greener transportation network. 

Book your Free LAEP+ and Data Demo: Complete the form in this link and book a time and date that's convenient for you.