5 things the most successful CPOs are doing to strategically grow their charging network

We have been working with some of the UK's best charge point operators (CPOs) for over 3 years. In 2022 our technology assisted in deploying over 20% of all new EV chargers in the UK. The market is still in its youth but an approach of equi-distanced pins on a map or a 'build it when it will come' is simply not good enough any more! With the ongoing trends including accelerated market growth and consolidation in parallel we asked ourselves, what are the most successful CPOs doing to strategically grow their network?

Here are the 5 principles the best that we believe should be followed …

Data-Driven Decision Making

The most successful CPOs make evidence based decisions. This means the decisions are based on data, but that is not as straightforward as it may sound. There are 100s of data sources available and the best CPOs combine data with internal expert knowledge and external support. Sometimes the data required is not easily available, so having someone from a data science background is essential in combining data from multiple sources and for deciding which data is relevant and how it should be weighted is essential. This data then has to be easily accessible for decision-makers.

Sourcing and Maintaining Reliable Data

To achieve high volume strategic growth, data sources have to be sourced and maintained to ensure accuracy. This might seem self-explanatory, but for many CPOs data maintenance is far from being a top priority when trying to keep up with their 'day jobs'. The rapidly evolving EV landscape can only be taken into account with up-to-date data. The task of sourcing, collating, procuring, and cleaning relevant EV data is not to be underestimated. With hundreds of data sources available, it requires dedicated efforts to gather accurate and comprehensive information. Data from various providers must be integrated and cleansed to ensure its relevance and reliability for and accurate decision-making processes. This process demands expertise in data engineering and analysis, as well as the ability to identify and extract the most pertinent information from the vast array of available data sources.

Developing Optimal Data Models for Consistent Success

The leading CPOs have developed models that fit their business case every time and are scalable. Their strategies are optimised and based on the specific use case and financial requirements.These data models serve as a powerful tool for achieving repeatability and scalability, as they allow CPOs to consistently replicate successful outcomes and adapt their strategies to different scenarios. By fine-tuning their models, CPOs ensure that each decision aligns with their specific business objectives and financial requirements, ultimately enabling them to drive sustainable growth and expand their charging networks effectively.

Leveraging Technology

The growth of the most successful CPOs is supported by technology that allows them to assess 100s, 1,000s or 10,000s of sites through the implementation of standardised processes "from cradle to grave", finding sites, securing sites, working with Local Authorities and landowners, securing funding and commercial agreements, detailed site planning, grid connections, deploying, driving utilisation, maintaining.....and the list goes on! Not only does this apply to scale of charging network, it also enables CPOs to on board new employees quickly as they grow.

Driving Strategic Growth through Streamlined Operations

Strategic growth requires internal and external process alignment. The best CPOs share a common vision across their organisation, which leads them to having a demonstrable customer-centric approach and involving customers in the planning phase. Communication between sales, planning and installation is clear and there is a well-defined and streamlined business process for site selection and review.

So, to become one of the best you need to have an evidence based, repeatable and scalable process. You could build this yourself or you can have a platform used by some of the most successful CPOs.

Are you ready to take your CPO business to the next level and strategically grow your network? Embrace the principles followed by the industry's best. Make evidence-based decisions, prioritise accuracy and data maintenance, achieve repeatability through optimised data models, leverage scalable technology for site assessment, and adopt a process-oriented approach. Whether you choose to build your own system or utilise a trusted platform, these principles will pave the way for your success in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicle charging. Join the ranks of the fastest growing CPOs and unlock the potential for strategic growth in your network.

If you're ready to implement evidence-based strategies and drive strategic growth in your network, we're here to help. Reach out to us to learn more about our solutions and how we can assist you grow.

About Dodona

We are the leading network planning platform working with some of the most ambitious and successful CPOs to help deploy many tens of thousands of chargers every year! As Data Scientists that are experts in Future Mobility. We global ambitions and have been backed by the UK Government to help the US in transitioning to cleaner EV led mobility.?