Strategic Planning for EV Charging Forecourts: Key steps to success

Following our recent visit to the Forecourt Summit, we wanted to share key insights into the challenges of setting up an EV charging forecourt. And include real-life examples of successful implementations and practical strategies to ensure a smooth launch. Our focus covers two critical areas: 

• Planning 
• Power 

Before you even begin the planning application process, several fundamental factors must be considered to make your site viable: 

• Site usage – is a critical factor in shaping your business model. It’s essential to determine whether your plan prioritises high-traffic, ultra-rapid charging or encourages EV drivers to stay and utilise on-site facilities, requiring a long-stay fast-charging setup. Additionally, planning for user access and implementing a site management strategy can help prevent charger hogging or obstruction by non-EV drivers. 

• Charger requirements – should align with established user behaviour. It’s essential to evaluate the number of chargers needed while considering the realistic capacity of your site. Many chargers offer multiple sockets, and adopting a strategy focused on average power draw rather than ultra-high output can optimise infrastructure efficiency. 

• Power availability – identifying the nearest power access point is crucial to ensuring it supports your proposed layout. A sufficient power supply is necessary for the entire project, and in a forecourt environment, a grid reinforcement strategy must be considered. Planning around high-voltage electrical currents and the proximity to flammable fuels is essential for safety and efficiency 

• Accessibility and regulations – compliance with legal requirements and accessibility standards is vital. A well-designed site enhances user experience, strengthens your reputation, and contributes to a strong return on investment. 

• Future scalability – with the growth of EV adoption, scalability is key to managing increased traffic. Future-proofing your site ensures long-term success and operational efficiency. 

Trying to navigate this process alone can be complex and time-consuming, pulling valuable resources and employees away from their core responsibilities. Fortunately, there are expert partners who offer turnkey solutions to streamline the process. 

How a specialist partner can help: 

Feasibility studies and business case support – Ensuring financial viability before committing resources 

Comprehensive site surveys and specifications – From identifying optimal locations to selecting the right charging equipment  

Project management and planning support – Experienced professionals who create design and specification documentation to assist with planning applications

Risk identification and mitigation – Proactively identifying potential pitfalls and implementing safety strategies to minimise hazards ensures a secure and efficient operation

Planning, regulation and compliance support – Ensuring adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements. 

By leveraging specialist expertise and proactively tackling these roadblocks, you can streamline the planning process and set up a successful, efficient, and scalable EV charging forecourt.

Click in the links below to read about our real-life example of planning to launch here or take learnings from our CPO white paper.