The Transport Technology Forum has published a short guide to help local authorities with procuring on-street electric vehicle chargers.

The new guide will help local authorities build their EV charging network

Published by the Forum’s EV Charging Infrastructure Working Group, the 12-page document has been put together to help authorities successfully understand both the technology and the role of charge point operators, and explains different procurement models, including the concession, lease, landlord and own and operate models. The differing roles of stakeholders are explained in relation to each procurement model.

The guide takes authorities through applicable laws and regulations before helping them define their EV charging infrastructure requirements, then presents a typical EVCI Tender Document Format.

The Forum, which receives funding from the Department for Transport and InnovateUK to help achieve change and technological innovation with collaborating organisations, has issued the guide on the back of last year’s publication of a simple starter guide. This was aimed at helping local authorities understand the challenges around delivering on-street charging networks for electric vehicles. As with that document, the latest assistance is delivered with the support of the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

Shamala Evans-Gadgil, EV programme/project manager at Coventry City Council who led the drafting of this guidance, said: “Procuring EV charging infrastructure requires a different approach to other roadside equipment that authorities will be very experienced in buying. As with our starter guide, this document is about empowering local authorities, especially those who haven’t started yet, to begin this journey and provide that initial kick-start document to help them build their EV network.”

The TTF guide is designed as a starting point for authorities to understand the process, who within their organisation should be involved and some of the potential pitfalls. It also includes more detailed guidance for charging stakeholders.

Click here to download the guide.