A new initiative to simplify the procurement of electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) for local authorities has launched.

The procurement tools will help councils meet EV infrastructure challenges and make better buying decisions

The EVI procurement templates provided by Crown Commercial Services (CCS) will help local authorities speed up the process of installing public EV charge points by significantly reducing the burden on procurement teams.

These customisable template documents help facilitate running an open market procurement for publicly available, on-street EVI services, as well as having draft contract terms and conditions.

The templates can be tailored by local authorities to create their own unique set of tender documents, ensuring each procurement meets specific local needs, best practice and provides the best fit for each authority area to better meet the demand of current and future EV drivers.

The initiative is the result of a cross-government collaboration between CCS and the Department for Transport (DfT) with the LEVI Support Body (Energy Saving Trust, Cenex and PA Consulting). The project is part of the Government’s commitment towards decarbonisation and to better support the transition to electric vehicles.

EVI procurement can be a lengthy process for local authorities. Identifying what to procure to meet the requirements for complex projects is a challenge, as is setting effective contract terms and conditions and negotiating service level agreements with suppliers. The procurement tools and guidance will help local authorities meet these challenges and make better buying decisions.

The template documents have been reviewed before release by both buyers and suppliers, ensuring they provide a good base for local authorities to develop their procurements, reducing the need for clarification questions, saving time and resources for procurement teams and suppliers.

Philip Orumwense, commercial director and chief procurement officer for technology at Crown Commercial Service, said: “This initiative exemplifies our dedication to providing local authorities with the tools and commercial solutions they need to efficiently and effectively procure EV charging infrastructure.

“By offering this service, we are reducing burdens on local government whilst supporting access to sustainable transport solutions across a rapidly growing supplier base.”

Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, commented: “Since the LEVI Fund’s inception, the LEVI Support Body has developed products, resources and services that assist local authorities in navigating the complexities of EV charging infrastructure procurement and deployment.

“This suite of procurement templates and guidance documents, developed in collaboration with Crown Commercial Services, is another example of our commitment to creating effective and user-friendly support.”

Different documentation has been created to account for procurements governed by the current procurement regulations and by new procurement regulations when the Procurement Act 2023 goes live on 24 February 2025.

The template documents are available through the CCS website. The Department for Transport (DfT) and the LEVI Support Body (Energy Saving Trust, PA Consulting and Cenex) continue to provide ongoing support and guidance to all LEVI Fund applicants.