Evolt, the SWARCO Group’s eMobility brand, has been selected to provide its smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers for Electric Nation, a nationwide trial that is seeking to better understand the demand and impact that ‘at-home charging’ places on the local power distribution networks.

Greater demand is being placed on power networks as the take up of EVs widens, EV battery sizes increase, and charging times get faster. This demand is particularly noticeable when EVs in the same local network are charging simultaneously.

The Electric Nation project aims to implement a prototype smart charging solution that will better manage power distribution at a local level at peak times.

Evolt, which is a brand of the SWARCO Group, is providing its smart charging unit to 50% of the 500 – 700 members of the public that are being recruited for Electric Nation.

Its units will be subsidised by OLEV* and Western Power Distribution (WPD), which is funding the project. Initially, the project will take place within the bounds of WPD (the South West, South Wales, and the Midlands), but has the ability to be rolled out nationally.

A previous project, My Electric Avenue (which was smaller in scale and used only one type of EV and charger), found that 32% of the UK’s supply cables would require upgrading when 40% – 70% of a network’s customers have EVs. This is estimated to cost £2.2 billion. Electric Nation is now trialling a smart charging solution that monitors the level of power going to many different makes and models of EV via a variety of charge points; in effect managing the distribution of power at a local level.

“Electric Nation’s scope is far broader than the previous My Electric Avenue project, and is the world’s largest trial of its kind,”

says Gill Nowell, Senior Consultant – Smart Interventions at EA Technology, which is responsible for developing the demand control technology, as well as the customer research, marketing and learning dissemination for the project.

“Evolt’s capability to provide smart chargers that stream information via the cloud was key to its selection,” she adds. “It also provides well-known, easy to use and reliable products that are installed throughout the length and breadth of the UK. Having proven systems that are trustworthy was also a central aspect to its selection.”

Justin Meyer, General Manager of Evolt, says the EV industry is constantly adapting:

“We need to ensure that our local power distribution networks can cope with the increasing demands of EV charging,” he says. “We know that when everyone charges at the same time there is increased pressure on the grid. But by working together we can find the right way of optimising the grid’s availability and protect the future of EV charging as demand continues to rise.”

Electric Nation is the customer-facing brand of CarConnect, a WPD and Network Innovation Allowance funded project. WPD’s collaboration partners in the project are EA Technology, DriveElectric, Lucy Electric GridKey and TRL.

To check your eligibility for the Electric Nation project visit www.ElectricNation.org.uk.

Evolt, the Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point supplier, has assisted Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) in creating a north-south EV charging network throughout the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

A total of 11 charge points have been strategically positioned on the Isles of Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist and Barra, which make up the majority of the Council’s remit. The new network adds to the existing Evolt charge points procured and installed at the ferry ports throughout the Western Isles.

The news also follows Evolt’s selection as one of the Energy Saving Trust’s EV charge point suppliers on a Scotland-wide framework agreement.

A Spokesperson at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar explains the charge point infrastructure project was completed in three phases, and Evolt were appointed the successful tenderer to supply its equipment:

“It has proven to be an good and reliable supplier, and we have had minimal operational issues with the equipment, which bearing in mind our extreme weather conditions and harsh environment, is impressive.”

Three top-of-the-range Rapid chargers that can efficiently charge two EVs to 80% of their battery life within 30 minutes through a 50Kw AC and 43Kw DC outlet have been installed at key locations throughout the region. These are supplemented by three 22kW Fast chargers that are ideal for quick ‘top ups’, have AC and DC capability, and take one hour to simultaneously charge two EVs; and five 7kW Street chargers that complete the Islands’ north-south network.

“The charging infrastructure has contributed to our environmental agenda and is an enabler of sustainable tourism,” the Spokesperson adds. “A car club is also being set up by an independent enterprise for residents and businesses to hire EVs.

“Further strategically placed charging units are proposed for the future to increase accessibility to some of our prime tourist locations, however there can be limitations to installations based on the capacity of the electricity network in the area,” the Spokesperson concludes.

Justin Meyer, General Manager for Evolt, emphasises EVs and charge points appeal to both rural and urban environments:

“It’s a testament to the reliability and durability of our systems that they continue to effectively charge EVs even in the most testing conditions.”