Step 2: Initial design
The table summarises the key design considerations we advise you to consider when considering options to increase the supply of electricity to your site – and where to locate your new charge points.
| Consideration | Biodiversity net gains | Land access and rights | Tree management | Distance from main substation | Location on site | Demand headroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your role | Installing EV chargers must leave nature better off than before | Secure landowners' permissions to install and maintain network assets | Ensure vegetation clearance for safety and efficiency | Shorter distance may reduce high-voltage cable costs, losses, and outage risk | Consider best access for all customers, good visibility, and clearance for charge points | Your DNO will usually have 'heatmaps' showing supply and demand for energy connections on their website |
| Additional detail | Well-planned EV charging can help businesses achieve biodiversity net gain while supporting low-carbon transport. Careful site layout and design can achieve a net gain, supporting both low-carbon transport and nature objectives | Voluntary agreements preferred but statutory processes such as necessary wayleaves exist when negotiations fail. Visit the Government Electricity Infrastructure Consultation work for more information | Currently the landowner's responsibility, but may shift to the distribution network operator in the future. Keep an eye on recent developments | Pairing electric vehicle charging with on-site energy storage reduces grid dependence and can cut energy costs, at the expense of further capital costs. Shorter cable runs, fewer poles and less trenching can costs and speeds up delivery | The charger must be connected to the internet to enable smart functionality. Ensure maintenance access to the electrical and communications connection points. Think about how EV charging will be signposted from the strategic road network and within the site | The map shows connection constraints and available network headroom, factoring in accepted offers. A high number of connection applications indicates strong local electricity demand |
Capacity and connection - understanding your current and future energy needs
If your current electricity supply does not provide sufficient capacity, you will need to make an application for a connection to your local distribution network operator (DNO).
You can identify your local DNO via the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website.
The ENA provides useful guidance on how to electrify your transport assets.
Cyber security
As EV charging networks grow, so do the cyber security risks. If these risks materialise, they can undermine safety, disrupt reliability and reduce public confidence in long-distance travel. You should speak to your chosen charge point operator to build in cyber security considerations from the start as it is simpler, safer and far cheaper than fixing issues later. The graphic below sets out the key cyber security considerations:
Emergency response considerations
Sites offering EV charging must be able to respond safely and quickly to emergencies. This includes fires, electrical faults, damaged equipment, and vehicle incidents. Make sure emergency planning is in place before chargers go live.
1 Fire and thermal incidents
EV batteries and high-power charge points behave differently from traditional fuels and you need to assess and mitigate risk. Allow space for emergency services to access chargers and vehicles.
Avoid placing chargers where fires would block exits or key routes.
2 Electrical safety and isolation
EV charge points operate at high voltage. In an emergency, it must be possible to shut them down quickly and safely, isolate power without putting people at risk and clearly identify emergency shut-off points.
3 Clear procedures for staff and operators
People on site need to know what to do. You will need to have simple emergency response instructions, clear roles and responsibilities and adequate training.
4 Emergency services awareness
Emergency responders may not be familiar with every charging site. You should share site layouts where possible, clearly signpost high-voltage equipment and make charge point locations easy to identify.
5 Safe evacuation and access routes
Charging areas should not create new risks. Keep pedestrian routes clear, avoid trip hazards from cables or equipment and make sure emergency exits remain accessible.
6 Post-incident recovery
Incidents do not end once the site is made safe. Plans should include how charge points are inspected before reuse, who authorises return to service and how incidents are recorded and reviewed.
