Project to identify EV charging blackspots launched

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UK Power Networks has launched a pilot project that will see it partner with local councils to identify EV charge point blackspots.

Under its Charge Collective trial, the network operator will collect data from Cambridge City and Cambridgeshire County Councils, Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council and the London Borough of Redbridge about the priority charge points needed in those areas.

It will then set up a competition to incentivise investors to bid at the lowest cost to deliver the charge points – likely to be in towns, with denser populations and less off-street parking.

The scheme will also develop a framework to measure the wider environmental and social benefits of better air quality and reduced emissions that come with more people driving EVs.

Charge Collective will help assess how much of a discount to connect to the electricity network is required, to encourage charge point installers to invest in areas where the market is currently struggling to deliver.

UK Power Networks says if successful, the model could be developed across the country.

Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation at UK Power Networks said: “Electricity networks have a key role in enabling the uptake of electric vehicles so that the country can meet its Net Zero commitments.

“This project is going to help us discover how we can support our communities to get more charge points into areas that need them at the lowest cost to consumers, ensuring that nobody is left behind.”

Councillor Kevin Maguire, cabinet member for safe and sustainable city environment at Norwich City Council, added: “The Charge Collective project will help our city to identify barriers to EV take-up especially in areas of high density housing.

“It’s important that the electrification of transport is socially inclusive and benefits all sectors of society”.

Local authorities in London, the East and South East of England that would like to find out more about the project can email innovation@ukpowernetworks.co.uk

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