Project: Charge Project - with SP Energy Networks

Charge will assist Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs), such as SPEN, in preparations for the expected dramatic increase in EV uptake by supporting the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. The project will take place in the SP MANWEB area, a subsidiary of SPEN and will develop plans to install EV charge points where capacity exists on the network, while monitoring stakeholder requirements.

Charge will be conducted through three interrelated initiatives:

Initiative 1: Strategic Transport and network planning. Using state of the art transport planning software to map out future electric transport needs for the SPEN MANWEB license areas up to 2050. This initiative is being led by PTV Group.

Initiative 2: Tactical solutions to support EV connections. Carrying out targeted trials to review charging solutions for residential properties without driveways and on-route destinations such as shopping centres and petrol stations. This initiative is being led by Smarter Grid Solutions.

Initiative 3: The development of the ‘ConnectMore’ software tool. This tool helps to accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure by visualising where network capacity and charging demand overlaps. Insights gained will direct network operators on the best locations to install charging infrastructure. This initiative is led by EA Technology.

EA Technology will be delivering the ConnectMore interactive software tool, as an outcome of Charge.

Initiative 3 will draw upon knowledge and learnings from the previous initiatives, bringing together expertise in transport planning and electrical connections. Fundamentally, giving indication to the most cost-effective location and method for installing EV charge points. The ConnectMore tool will display network headroom down to Low Voltage (LV), allowing stakeholders of a non-engineering background, to assess the charge point options available to them through an easy-to-use interactive tool.

EA technology is at the forefront in providing innovative solutions and cutting-edge software whilst collaborating with partner organisations to achieve our goals in Charge.

Check out our other EV charging projects here: