A recent study published by Net Zero data consultancy, Field Dynamics, in partnership with Zap-Map – the UK’s leading EV charging resource, highlights the importance of understanding the location of the residents who will rely on public charging before planning residential electric vehicle charging sites. The research demonstrates how a better residential charging service can be achieved by siting chargers in more focussed locations and how surprisingly few chargers will be needed.  

The research undertaken by Field Dynamics used advanced Ordnance Survey mapping to identify that nearly 8 million GB households, outside of London, are On-Street households in that they do not have off-street parking facilities and will therefore rely on on-street electric vehicle charging when they make the shift to drive electric.

Using data provided by Zap-Map, the study identified 7,563 charger sites outside of London and subsequently analysed the number of “On-Street” households, within a reasonable 5-minute walk of the nearest site.

The study found that roughly 90% of the On-Street household population were outside of the 5-minute catchment area – potentially reducing the appeal of switching to e-mobility, due to inconvenience or impracticality.  Households with drivers who need on-street charging, who reside outside of this 5-minute catchment area, are also less likely to take advantage of overnight chargers, as the site location is not within a convenient walking distance.

But the research also found that the cost of bridging the gap is not as high you might think. Brighton and Hove Council have achieved 67% coverage of households that require on-street charging provision by placing just 139 chargers. This suggests that most councils will require a few hundred charger sites to ensure there is access to a charger within a 5-minute walk for those residents who will need to access this critical service.

The move to electric vehicles can require huge investment in vehicles, real estate and infrastructure, and the challenge is that these investments need to be made in new, fast moving and unpredictable markets. This study by Field Dynamics highlights the importance of supporting investment in e-mobility with robust and trustworthy data, rather than relying on subjective opinions that are often flawed.

An interactive map of the results can be found here, more details of the study including a white paper can be found here.

Field Dynamics Managing Director, Ben Allan commented on the findings saying that “Placing public chargers is a difficult process as it requires the balancing of many conflicting priorities.  But now there is a bedrock of robust data that planners can use to select their sites, placing fewer chargers at lower cost while providing a much more inclusive service”

COO and Joint MD of Zap Map, Melanie Shufflebotham said “Providing convenient public charging for households with no off-street parking is a key element in the mass uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). This unique analysis combining the Zap-Map and Field Dynamics data sets provides both a high-level comparison between towns and also identifies down to a street level where there is a real gap in charging provision. We believe this data will be a great tool for organisations when making decisions on where to install additional charge points.

Field Dynamics offers unique and innovative insight into electric vehicle charging availability and access. The sophistication of the study is underpinned by the consultancy’s 25 years’ experience and deep understanding of the practical challenges faced by corporate enterprises and local authorities.

Zap-Map is the UK’s leading charge point mapping service with a mission to make charging simple for EV drivers. The data is aggregated from the charge point data networks, in most cases via a direct, live dynamic feed.  This data is enhanced with community updates, making Zap-Map the UK’s most comprehensive source of public EV charge points.