EV Charging Considerations

Installing EV chargers requires careful consideration of both infrastructure demands and financial viability. The type and number of chargers, whether slow, fast, or rapid, not only determine the level of convenience for users but also directly influence the scale of the required electrical infrastructure. 

For example, rapid chargers significantly reduce charging time, making them more attractive for high-traffic or time-sensitive locations. However, they also require a much higher electrical load, which can drastically increase installation complexity and cost. This includes potential upgrades to distribution boards, increased cabling requirements, additional earthing provisions, and even coordination with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to assess and possibly reinforce the incoming power supply. The more chargers that are added to a site, the more cumulative pressure is placed on the electrical system, which could lead to operational risks if not properly assessed and managed from the outset.

To balance these infrastructure pressures with long-term financial and sustainability goals, it’s important to have integrated energy planning. This means looking beyond simply meeting today's charging needs and consider how the site will evolve over time, both in terms of energy usage and environmental targets. Incorporating on-site renewable energy generation, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels, is one practical and increasingly popular approach. 

PV panels can supply a portion of the electricity required by the EV chargers, reducing dependency on the grid and potentially smoothing out peak energy demand. In some configurations, energy storage systems (like batteries) can also be used to store solar energy for use during high-demand periods or overnight charging. This not only supports broader decarbonisation goals, but can also lead to significant cost savings over time by lowering energy bills, insulating the site from rising utility prices, and even generating revenue through feed-in tariffs or surplus energy export.