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 finer points of EV charging.
Electric 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 significant impact 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 design and back-office management 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 amplified 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 compared to site traffic.
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 benefit as the market 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 significant planning 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 your charge point. This technology can be integrated with other smart devices, such as your phone, so that you can receive live updates and alerts. Smart Charging units also allow for dynamic load balancing, monitoring the property’s overall electrical usage and adjusting the power to the EV charger accordingly, protecting the property’s main fuse. Increased use of modular units that can be easily installed and expanded is likely as demand for charging infrastructure grows.
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
Making EV charging available to everyone, although necessary, has its own unique challenges. Houses were not built with EV charging in mind and don’t always have a standardised energy supply. However, there are ways to manage this challenge. For instance, opting for a unit with an internal Amp selector will give you the option to down-rate the charger to match the available supply.
In terms of longevity, universal socketed tends to be the unit of choice, as tethered cables, although convenient, may not be compatible with all EV s on the market. Meaning users would potentially have to replace their charger if they got a new car or if a new person moved in with an incompatible connection. This, however, will become less relevant as older connections are phased out, as it is only certain models that still use the CHAdeMO connection.
As long as you have confirmation of which BEV or PHEV will be used at a property, tethered may be the right choice for that site. It’s all about making an informed decision for your client based on the information you have.
GETTING THE BACK-OFFICE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION RIGHT
When it comes to EV charging, it doesn’t just end with hardware. Apps have been created to specifically aid in the set-up of new charge points, giving you a step-by-step guide with easy-to-follow instructions. During the configuration, you will be prompted to input which back-office solution the customer has chosen for their charge point management, from a range of App suppliers with proven compatibility.
There are many back-office management solutions offering increased functionality to their users and these features can also be beneficial to contractors. By providing remote monitoring and management for example, you can receive live updates if a unit experiences a fault.
Back-office partners provide real-time status and analytics. This can be used to optimise the charge point, identify trends and patterns, and provide insight into user behaviour. It helps you to make data-driven decisions on how to improve infrastructure and meet the needs of customers.
Installers also get access to a lead generator with up-to-date information on charge point projects opening in your area, and the opportunity to bid for them with a trusted back-office system.
Avoid late night call outs by offering your customers access to the back-office partner’s 24/7 support network. This will manage customer queries and concerns should something come up following your installation. This feature helps to manage charge point infrastructure more efficiently, resulting in improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue, and reduced maintenance costs.
Article supplied by Rolec EV