Siting EV chargers in more focused locations could reduce the number needed to provide better residential charging.

The data finds more focused siting of chargers could significantly reduce the number of chargers needed to provide sufficient residential charging

New research has found that eight million households outside of London have no off-street parking and therefore rely on public charging. And 90% of these ‘on-street’ households are outside of a five-minute walk to a public charger, potentially reducing the appeal of switching to e-mobility.

But the analysis by Net Zero data consultancy Field Dynamics, in partnership with Zap-Map, has found that clever siting of chargers could ensure the cost of bridging the gap is reduced.

It cites the example of Brighton and Hove Council, which has achieved 67% coverage of households that require on-street charging provision by placing just 139 chargers.

The data suggests that most councils will require a few hundred charger sites to ensure there is access to a charger within a five-minute walk for those residents who will need to access this critical service. Placing chargers closer to those dependent on them can reduce the number of chargers required by up to a factor of 4.8.

Field Dynamics and Zap-Map said the new data could be used by planners to select their sites, placing fewer chargers at lower cost while providing a much more inclusive service.

Melanie Shufflebotham, COO and joint MD of Zap-Map COO, commented: “Providing convenient public charging for households with no off-street parking is a key element in the mass uptake of electric vehicles.

“We believe this data will be a great tool for organisations when making decisions on where to install additional charge points.”

Field Dynamics’ interactive map of the results can be found here. More details of the study including a white paper can be found here.