Online tool to help suppliers find the best locations for EV charge points

Northern Powergrid has launched a new online tool to help suppliers understand the best and most cost-effective positions to install new EV charge points. 

The online tool, AutoDesign, which launched today (February 4), uses real-world data to help suppliers visualise the best new EV charge point locations in the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire. 

Northern Powergrid has estimated that by 2040, there will be almost 4.5 million electric vehicles within their operational areas, therefore they have said that accelerating the uptake of new charge points is essential. 

The aim of the tool is to provide greater transparency about network capacity, which will allow suppliers to make informed decisions about where to connect. 

Previously, estimating the connection cost would take 10 days, however, with the new tool, suppliers can estimate the cost in a few minutes. 

AutoDesign uses simple, green, amber and red indicators to guide the suppliers towards the most cost-effective and viable charge points.

Derek Fairbairn, system design manager at Northern Powergrid, said: ‘AutoDesign will provide real benefits and an enhanced level of real-world insight.

‘It will enable local authorities, EV installers and businesses planners to see, in a matter of minutes, the best locations to install chargers and the associated cost.

‘This newly available network data intelligence will significantly improve the EV connections process and help accelerate the clean transport transition.

‘The electrification of transport is essential if we are to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and our future scenarios show that the rate of EV growth will be significant.

‘We want to actively support the EV transition and ensure our network meets the future needs of our customers and the communities we serve.’

In related news, last month (January 2020) the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that they will double council funding for residential EV chargepoints to £10m.

The money will be open to all local authorities and it’s hoped it could help fund 3,600 new chargepoints across the country.

There are currently 24,000 publicly available chargepoints, of which over 2,400 have a ‘rapid’ charge.

Photo Credit – Northern Powergrid