Mastering the Art of EV Charging Site Selection: Unveiling the Key Factors for Success

It is a fact that EV sales continue to grow at a pace that is not being met by the deployment of Public EV charging infrastructure. At Dodona Analytics, our data shows we are yet to hit 10% of the public chargers (all speeds) required by 2030 by the end of 2023 in the UK. This gap means confidence to make the transition to EVs is likely to decline for consumers and, perhaps, more concerningly, businesses. When one considers this along with fact the prediction that up to 4 in 10 chargers will never be commercially viable, planning must not involve a scattergun approach. Indeed, accuracy and scalability in planning a network of chargers has never been more important!

Choosing the right EV charging site requires careful consideration of various factors; the most important being verifiable, good quality data to support the veracity of these decision drivers. As a Chargepoint Operator, or just someone that wants to deploy EV Chargers on their properties, data and evidence to support your decision-making process will avoid costly financial and logistical issues later. This article outlines several key aspects to keep in mind:

Location (co-location / complementing the core function)

The first thing you should consider when choosing an EV charging site is location. Colocation is the name of the game, locations have either short (e. g. fast-food restaurant) or long (e.g. workplace) dwell times and the charging should be complementary to the core function. There are some locations that have both short and long dwell times, such as hotels where people can go for lunch or stay overnight, requiring different charger types depending on their activity. When choosing a location, you also need to consider whether this is somewhere people already go or whether they are prepared to make a small detour to charge. The key is conveniently located and easily accessible locations, in places that attract EV drivers, ideally with clear access and exit locations with high visibility.

Type of charger and quantity at the chosen location

Based on dwell time you should decide on which types of chargers to install. The main question is, does the dwell time call for AC or DC charging? The number of chargers depends on current needs and, above all, on future trends. Further, to arrive at a conclusion on charger numbers, you should also study the current footfall or traffic and what it will be in 5 years’ time, also taking into account demographic factors and forecasted EV adoption.?

Infrastructure and Power Supply

Without stating the obvious, you can’t draw more power from the grid if the power is not there. This is something that is already happening, with many well known suppliers having closed EV chargers. This is not only a financial loss, but has an impact on consumer trust in your brand. To prevent that, a solid analysis of the current electrical infrastructure must be conducted to see if it can accommodate the number and type of charging stations, both for current and future usage. You should consider elements such as how far away are the power lines, which side of the street, and where the nearest substation is. Grid infrastructure upgrades can be very costly, so it is essential to assess the infrastructure costs, charging rates, and user demand.

Accessibility and convenience

Charging locations should be safe and accessible for all users. To make charging sites accessible for less mobile users, you have to make sure the parking space is of appropriate width and includes appropriate signage. In the charging area, there should be no barriers that could obstruct individuals with mobility challenges or wheelchair users from accessing the charging station. Safety should be a high priority - always think about vulnerable users at night. When choosing a charging site, consider the broader area and the narrower surroundings, perhaps a dark alleyway is not the most accommodating location. A charging site should be well lit with visibility during the night and day. Signage should be clear and the perception of safety can be increased by taking extra precautions such as installing surveillance systems.

Competitive strategy - is this strategically the best location right now?

Expanding your network in line with competitive strategy means not only looking for white space on the map, but also considering the chargers that are already in the area. New charge points should complement existing chargers. Not all chargers are created equal and the needs of users for either AC or DC charging might not be met yet.? Consider whether you have a balance between coverage and density and how competitive your offering is in terms of price and customer experience. While safety is one thing, location-related CX can also be enhanced by amenities such as Wi-Fi access, restroom proximity and seating areas.?

Permits, regulations, parking restrictions

We have covered colocation and dwell time, but this is about current and future regulations. Not accounting for local and wider regulations or parking restrictions can result in expensive mistakes. You probably don’t want to put an AC charger where you can only park for an hour, for an example, nor in an area where the local council will be installing cycle lanes next year.

Commercial viability including demand and pricing

Lastly, the site you choose needs to be commercially viable to fit your business case, say, in 5 years vs 20. Sensitivity to competitive pricing in the vicinity can be as important as the reliability of consumer charging needs.

In conclusion...

By considering these critical factors, anyone looking to deploy EV chargers or build a network can start to make informed decisions when selecting EV charging sites. At Dodona, we empower Chargepoint Operators with comprehensive data and evidence-driven insights to enhance their decision-making processes. With our help, CPOs and investors in charging infrastructure can identify optimal charging site locations, assess infrastructure requirements, evaluate market demand, and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. All this is a time-effective manner. With Dodona, you can make strategic choices that drive success in the evolving EV charging market.

Contact us today to learn how our solutions can help you succeed in the rapidly evolving EV charging industry. Our qualified team will be happy to discuss your business' needs.

About Dodona Analytics

We are the leading EV network-planning platform and work 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 and changing the way we drive, we are passionate about building a better future!