SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is looking for regional businesses, developers and charge point operators (CPOs) to take part in a new EV smart charging trial.
The trial aims to accelerate the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure in Cheshire, Merseyside, North Shropshire, and North and Mid-Wales. It is part of the Charge Project initiative between SPEN and partners EA Technology, PTV Group and Smarter Grid Solutions.
According to SPEN, a smart charging connection can automatically detect if the CPO needs to reduce the charge point capacity during off-peak periods. It can also identify when power from an alternative source, such as solar power, is available.
This intelligent management of demand reportedly allows more charge points to be installed in one location without expensive network reinforcements. The energy company said this offers flexibility with owners able to offer consumers faster and cheaper charging.
What’s more, smart charging connections could encourage more people to switch to EVs, which is key to meeting climate change targets, said SPEN.
Geoff Murphy, Charge Project lead at SP Energy Networks, said: “Creating a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure is vital to helping our communities achieve their net zero carbon goals and a key part of the green economic recovery of the UK post-Covid-19.
“To make that happen, we need to safely and effectively manage the demand on the electricity network that increased EV charging will create. We believe that smart charging connections are a vital part of the solution – the results from this trial will improve our understanding of how they work in real world scenarios.”
Charge Project will also roll out its ConnectMore tool, a public-facing web application that aims to help businesses and local authorities identify suitable sites for new charge points. The app can also estimate the cost of connecting to the network.
