Are you ready for EV charging?

The checklist below lists all the things you will need to consider before ‘entering’ the EV charging market. It follows a standard sequence of considerations that need to be addressed. How many of these questions you are able to answer now will give you an idea of how ready you are today – and what you may still need to consider. 

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1 Space and layout

Do you have enough space for chargers, power equipment and cables?

Can vehicles move safely without congestion or reversing risks?

Are bay sizes and layouts suitable for cars, vans and accessible use?

Are nearby amenities, such as toilets or shops, available to improve user experience?

2 Access and traffic management

Are chargers accessible at all times, without restrictions?

Are entry and exit routes clear, with no bottlenecks?

Are signs easy to see when approaching the site and once on it?

Is there clear separation between HGVs and cars to reduce risk?

Does the layout support accessibility, including wheelchair access?

3 Grid capacity and electrical feasibility

How much grid capacity is available on site?

How far the site is from a suitable grid connection?

What are the costs and timescales for any grid upgrades?

Is there space for substations or transformers, if needed?

4 Ground conditions

Are ground conditions suitable for excavations and foundations?

Is there a risk of contaminated land, particularly on older sites?

Is asbestos or other hazardous material present?

Are there underground services that need to be identified or relocated?

Could the works impact nearby habitats or protected areas?

5 Safety and compliance

Is there safe space around all electrical equipment?

Are fire safety distances met for high-power chargers?

Is lighting good enough for safe night-time use?

Is CCTV in place for security and incident checks?

Is drainage adequate and is flood-risk properly managed?

Does the site comply with building and EV charging regulations?

6 Planning and regulatory constraints

Is planning permission required for the charging equipment, lighting or signage?

Are there any heritage or conservation area restrictions that apply to the site?

Are noise limits in place, particularly for high-power chargers?

Is a traffic assessment required as part of the approval process?

7 Commercial and operational feasibility 

What is the expected demand based on traffic patterns?

Is charger speed matched to expected dwell time (fast chargers for short stays, slower chargers for longer visits)?

Does the revenue potential justify the installation and ongoing costs?

Are there partnership opportunities with landowners or nearby retailers?

8 Future considerations 

Is there room to add more chargers in the future?