Revolutionary Tool to Speed Up EV Infrastructure for Councils

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In an exciting development for local authorities across England, a groundbreaking guide has been unveiled, aimed at accelerating and fortifying the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The guide, titled Powering Local EV Infrastructure: A Guide for Councils, was launched this week by the UK100 network of local government leaders, in collaboration with UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) and Cenex. It is now available to all local authorities eager to enhance their EV delivery journey.

This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment in the UK’s transition to electric mobility. The government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund is set to disburse nearly £400 million to support the installation of 100,000 new EV charge points across England. As the adoption of electric vehicles reaches unprecedented heights, many councils continue to grapple with complex technical, financial, and operational hurdles that threaten to impede progress.

The newly released guide offers a comprehensive roadmap, designed to support councils throughout their entire EV delivery journey. It serves as a vital resource for local governments, hubs, governmental bodies, and community groups alike. Covering every aspect of EV infrastructure delivery—from strategic planning and business case development to procurement, funding, distribution network connections, and ensuring equitable access for drivers without off-street parking—the guide is a treasure trove of practical insights.

One of the most notable revelations highlighted in the guide is the profound impact of evidence-based digital planning on the success of EV infrastructure projects.

Local authorities that have utilised the ChargePoint Navigator—a complimentary digital tool developed by UK Power Networks DSO, with the support of their delivery partner Field Dynamics, collaborator Cenex, and data provider Zapmap—boast a remarkable 100% success rate in securing LEVI funding on their first attempt. This contrasts sharply with the average success rate of just 37% for councils that have not embraced this innovative tool.

The ChargePoint Navigator is a sophisticated platform that integrates crucial data, including network cabling capacity, pavement widths, on-street household demographics, and localised EV demand projections. This wealth of information empowers councils to identify viable charging sites much earlier in the planning process. Notable councils such as Kent and Brighton & Hove have successfully leveraged this tool to align district-wide planning efforts, pinpoint priority sites, engage charge point operators in collaborative workspaces, enhance procurement decision-making, and efficiently track the delivery of charging infrastructure.

Christopher Hammond, the chief executive of UK100, emphasised the significance of this guide, stating, “Local authorities are absolutely central to making the electric vehicle transition work for everyone. Yet, too many councils have struggled to navigate the complex funding, technical, and commercial challenges involved. Until the way local climate action is funded is fundamentally reformed, this new guide is indispensable.”

He further added, “This collaboration between UK100, UK Power Networks DSO, and Cenex brings together policy expertise, technical infrastructure knowledge, and practical delivery experience in a way that’s never been done before. It’s exactly the kind of practical support that helps councils create thriving places powered by clean energy and clean air.”

As the UK moves towards its ambitious net-zero targets, the role of local authorities has never been more crucial. This guide not only equips councils with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of EV infrastructure development but also positions them at the forefront of the nation’s green transition.

The EV charging infrastructure landscape is rapidly evolving, and local councils are tasked with ensuring that their communities are prepared for this shift. The guide serves as a call to action for local authorities to seize the opportunities presented by the LEVI funding, and to leverage innovative solutions like the ChargePoint Navigator to overcome existing challenges.

In conclusion, the launch of Powering Local EV Infrastructure: A Guide for Councils marks a significant step towards empowering local authorities to enhance their EV charging infrastructure. As we strive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, it is imperative that councils embrace these tools and strategies, ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles is both efficient and equitable for all citizens. Let us all champion this initiative, paving the way for a greener tomorrow.