In this current project, EA Technology are working with SP Energy Networks and project partners, aiming to accelerate the connection of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by combining transport planning and electricity network planning. The solution will be achieved through trialling innovations and developing interactive tools to allow customers to identify the most cost-effective location and method of connection.

Charge is an innovative project that will give greater connection choices to customers, lower connection costs and ultimately expedite EV uptake.

Charge will assist Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), 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 at leisure or 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 initiative is being 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 learning from the previous initiatives, bringing together expertise in transport planning and electrical connections. Fundamentally, giving indication to the most costeffective location and method of EV chargepoint to install, but keeping the EV motorist’s needs in mind. The ConnectMore tool will display network headroom down to Low Voltage (LV), allowing stakeholders of a non-engineering background, to assess the chargepoint 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. Find out more at www.chargeproject.co.uk.

Project Partners:

  • SP Energy Networks
  • EA Technology
  • PTV Group
  • Smarter Grid Solutions