UTILITIES & SERVICES 81


POWERING UP THE FUTURE OF EV CHARGING


As the UK prepares for a net zero future, and Part S of the Building Regulations homes in on electric vehicles (EVs), housebuilders are grappling with the various practical issues around providing charging for residents of all new homes. Electrical wholesaler Rolec EV discusses the fi ner points of EV charging.


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lectric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable and practical, and the UK Government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. With increasing interest from consumers and businesses, the future of the EV industry is looking bright.


This shift towards electric transportation is expected to have a sinifi cant iact on the electrical installation industry in the UK however, as the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases. How can you take advantage of this increased public interest in installing EV charging points, and what do you need to know that can help you provide the best experience for your customers?


CHANGES TO REGULATIONS It is not new to suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the current climate emergency. The push for rapid decarbonisation can be felt throughout the UK and expands even further into the world. It’s something that many national leaders are tackling through legislative and regulatory changes.


One of the newest developments in the UK Government’s road to net zero is the new Part S of the Building Regulations. This is a requirement for all new build commercial and residential properties to have access to an EV charge point, an ambitious plan that accompanies the Government’s transition to ‘full-EV’ by 2030. Alongside these regulations, they outlined certain expectations for new EV technology, to maintain a level of quality. Along with the recognised standard features of a charge point (a minimum output of 7 kW and a universal power socket) the Government has also introduced ‘Smart Chargepoint Regulations’. Scheduled charging is one of the key things to look out for; introduced to reduce strain on the grid by encouraging users to charge during off-peak hours. Compliant units manage


this via an online app, which also gives the user full control of their charger. Furthermore, in line with the December updates to these regulations, EV charge points now must have upgraded security measures, such as built-in tamper alerts.


EV CHARGING IN A COST OF LIVING CRISIS Price is often the deciding factor between whether someone chooses to switch to an EV or not. It’ll be no surprise then that the number one best thing about the EV experience for personal lease drivers was low running costs. If we relate this cost back to EV charging, we can see people are opting for more affordable units that offer them cost-saving potential. This is not lost on the commercial side of the industry, where many have adopted public-facing EV charging as an additional revenue stream. Helped along by sophisticated chargepoint desin and backoffi ce anaeent systems, generating passive income from EV has seen an increase. Tariffs can be personalised for public or staff charging. Opportunities for revenue have only been alifi ed by the increased introduction of DC rapid chargers, at a time when electric car drivers have been showing increased interest in dedicated charging hubs with amenities like coffee shops and free Wi-Fi. These two factors combined have opened potential for massive infrastructure growth. Making the decision to install a rapid charging unit is dependent also on the


cost of the unit coared to site traffi c Additionally, during the current cost of living crisis, solar panels have been crucial in empowering people to pursue energy independence. For this reason, solar compatible units are gaining popularity. Familiarising yourself with this type of install would be of benefi t as the arket shifts towards green energy sources and people seek further independence from the grid.


INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS As the demand for EV charging infrastructure increases, it is essential that installation is made as simple and easy as possible. In the past, installing EV charging points was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring sinifi cant lannin and coordination However, more and more EV charging units have been designed with the installer in mind.


Convenience is the key. By incorporating PME fault detection technology, the installation process can be streamlined, the risk of faults can be reduced, and the overall reliability can be improved. In-built PME fault detection has been invaluable in achieving this, since it means the unit won’t need an earth rod to be installed, which means less hassle for the installer and less disruption to the customer.


Another consideration is the use of smart charging technology, which allows for remote monitoring and control of


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