Powering Sustainable Transportation with Merthyr Tydfil Council

Our partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Council focused on advancing their fleet transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of their broader sustainability initiative. The Council currently operates 20 EVs, with plans to replace 60 additional vehicles over the next 24 months. As part of this initiative, we designed and installed EV charging infrastructure across 70% of the Council’s parking bays. This infrastructure includes dynamic load management technology to optimise power distribution between 150kW DC rapid chargers and 22kW AC units, ensuring efficient operation and reliability. Importantly, the system is future-proof, meaning the Council can expand its fleet in the future without requiring costly upgrades to the charging infrastructure.

So far, our efforts have yielded significant environmental benefits, with the EV fleet and infrastructure contributing to a reduction of 3.3 tonnes of carbon emissions. This impact highlights the clear environmental advantages of transitioning from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to electric alternatives, such as reducing CO₂ emissions and improving local air quality. Additionally, this project positions the Council as a leader in sustainable transportation, setting a model for other local authorities to follow. Through this initiative, the Council is helping to foster a more environmentally responsible community, combat climate change, and encourage the adoption of greener technologies.

Effective communication was central to the project’s success, both internally within the Council and externally with various stakeholders. Internally, we engaged in continuous dialogue with fleet managers, sustainability officers, and infrastructure specialists to ensure alignment on the project’s objectives and goals. Externally, we worked closely with local authorities to secure necessary permits and approvals and collaborated with EV technology providers to ensure that the charging infrastructure adhered to industry standards. Regular meetings, progress reports, and a proactive problem-solving approach helped ensure transparency throughout the process, building trust and confidence. This clear communication strategy helped mitigate risks and kept the project on schedule, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among all involved.

In addition to our strong partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Council, we also worked closely with several key stakeholders to ensure the project’s success. We also maintained dynamic communication with contractors and local utility companies to address challenges, such as the presence of utility lines and main pipes beneath the installation sites. Notably, we sourced 50% of our installation materials locally, supporting local businesses and reducing emissions from transportation. These collaborations were crucial in delivering creative solutions, such as designing custom metal frame systems to mount the chargers without disturbing underground utilities.

Technology played a crucial role in the project’s success, particularly through the use of dynamic load management systems that balanced power distribution between the charging units. This reduced energy costs while maximising charging efficiency. Additionally, our E.Connect back-office system was integral in supporting the Council’s daily operations. The platform tracks key data such as cost savings, environmental impacts, charging metrics, and vehicle energy usage, providing insights to optimise the fleet’s performance and inform long-term sustainability strategies.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project involves replacing 60 additional vehicles in the fleet. To ensure the infrastructure can support the growing fleet, we are already exploring new technologies, including ultrafast charging solutions and renewable energy sources, such as solar power. As a full turnkey provider, we are committed to maintaining and servicing the units to ensure their longevity. This guarantees that the Council’s charging network remains robust, reliable, and scalable in the future, helping them achieve their sustainability goals.