Projects PROJECT: Supporting the development of London’s electric vehicle infrastructure delivery plan Challenge: The Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy (MTS) has a vision for zero emission transport by 2050. In order to facilitate the required EV charge points to support this, Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) formed a taskforce of selected stakeholders in the summer of 2018 and appointed ZCF as its facilitator. What we did: Following a competitive tender process, Zero Carbon Futures was commissioned to facilitate a number of events, workshops and meetings, which brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss the future of EV charging infrastructure in London to 2025. Acting as an independent facilitator, we used our expertise in e-mobility to develop a set of workshops based around three core themes: user needs; enablers for recharging and market models and finance. ZCF designed the sessions and discussion questions which focussed on extracting the information required to support the creation of an appropriate delivery plan. Representatives from business, energy, infrastructure, government and London boroughs took part in the workshops which ran throughout summer 2018. The workshops gave all interested parties the opportunity to put their viewpoints forward at an early stage in the development of a delivery plan for London. Using the findings of each workshop, ZCF was then responsible for analysing the results, presenting the findings and recommendations to the Taskforce. Following the workshops, ZCF was asked to support the writing of the EV charging infrastructure delivery plan, which will set up the next steps in TfL’s strategy to 2025. The result: The EV Infrastructure taskforce format...
Projects PROJECT: Assessment of charging infrastructure use and recommends for the future. Challenge:To support Manchester with the ongoing development of their charging network. What we did: Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF) was commissioned by Jacobs UK Limited to provide advice to TfGM on the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle (GMEV) charging network. The work was driven by the authority’s Clean Air Strategy and the team wished to undertake an assessment of the impact of road transport in the area, especially in regards to taxis, and the requirements to secure the area’s mission to be an EV friendly location. We conducted an initial in-depth study of GMEV charging activity since its launch in 2013 reviewing demand and identifying hot spots of areas with high use. Complementing this work, we also looked at vehicle uptake in the region, compared it with similar areas and reviewed the impact that likely changes in technology would have on both the existing network and any new locations. This set a benchmark on charging infrastructure to date and informed the future strategy. From there, key locations across the TfGM greater area were identified. The authority, in particular, wished to identify locations which would support the growth of the EV taxi market using funding awarded by Early Measures and OLEV’s taxi fund. To support this bid, ZCF carried out site feasibility studies to prioritise locations in which to grow the network and also advised on a procurement strategy to operate and maintain the existing GMEV network whilst growing it for the future. The result: 24 priority locations for rapid chargers were identified across the local authority areas in...
Projects PROJECT: Project managing Milton Keynes’ Go Ultra Low programme Challenge: To support Milton Keynes in their vision to be one of the UK’s most EV friendly cities through the project management of their successful Go Ultra Low City programme. What we did: In 2016, Milton Keynes was named by the UK Government as one of four ‘Go Ultra Low’ cities. The award brought a £9 million investment into the area allowing the development of a range of initiatives to make the city into one of the most EV-ready cities. ZCF was commissioned, over a 5-year period, as project manager for the programme. Since 2017, the company has worked to support the Council and oversee and report on the project’s key strands which include the development of the City’s EV charge point infrastructure, the EV Experience Centre, innovation and Highways work to support the programme. Our project management role provides full support to the Council, setting targets for each of the project strands, monitoring and evaluating each to ensure that programme is on target to meet its objectives and is delivered on time and to budget. As part of the process we are providing detailed reports to OLEV (UK Government) as the main funder. ZCF is also responsible for the dissemination of the project – both to stakeholders and the general public and this has included user engagement and survey work to understand driver’s awareness of electric vehicles and their requirements for a future shift in behaviour. As part of the EV charge point infrastructure strand, the team has been heavily involved to support the growth of Milton Keynes’...
Projects PROJECT: Feasibility study on rapid charging roll-out for taxis Challenge: Sheffield City Council was successful in securing funding from the Early Measures Fund to develop an EV taxi trial and commissioned ZCF to advise on the infrastructure required. What we did: To support Sheffield City Council to make an informed decision on the location of rapid charge points, ZCF were tasked with the assessment of 30 potential locations. Working with the team at Sheffield City Council, ZCF drew up assessment criteria for each location. This took into account conditions such as the likely demand for a site, power availability, accessibility for drivers, site ownership and most importantly the cost of a site installation to ensure value for money. From there, we undertook desk based research to assess each location using a scoring matrix and documented each site. Midway through our partnership, OLEV announced that they were launching their Taxi Fund programme. ZCF provided a briefing to the team at Sheffield on launch of the fund and were then commissioned to help the city to meet the requirements of the funding round. Supporting the bid, we helped the city to understand the requirements of taxi drivers for EV charging and to demonstrate to the funders that they had a thoroughly assessed the local area to identify the best locations for driver’s needs. ZCF also developed a procurement specification which allowed us to collate all the costs required for rapid infrastructure roll-out to be included in the bid. This included costs for equipment, installation, DNO connections as well as ongoing operation and maintenance. Although, at present, Sheffield’s priority is...
Projects PROJECT: Supporting infrastructure development and public consultation Challenge: Ongoing support for the North East’s charging infrastructure What we did: ZCF has been working with the North East team since 2014 when the organisation took over responsibility for the North East’s charging infrastructure. Building on an infrastructure demand study which we undertook in 2014, we were then commissioned to support the authority to develop a bid towards the OLEV Go Ultra Low city programme to extend the charging network. The bid successfully secured £1.5 million to support the next generation of charging infrastructure to include two filling stations and six recharging hubs. We supported the bid by developing the specifications for the charging infrastructure along with indicative costs and methodology. To support the capital funding available, the team also identified a desire to build a wider programme which required revenue match funding. ZCF identified an opportunity to apply to an ERDF Low Carbon Fund and working with the team we scoped out a programme of works that would meet the needs of the funder as well as providing funding to support a range of additional activity which would engage with potential new EV drivers. A bid was developed which covered a number of work streams which included a public awareness campaign, a fleet support programme, a research study on the impact of the new charging infrastructure and an SME competition to support product and service innovation. The project was successful and launched in 2017. We continue to work with the authority on a number of the project strands. We supported the specification of the new infrastructure and now installed, we...
Projects PROJECT: Developing an EV infrastrcture strategy Challenge: Cardiff was named as one of the most polluted cities in the UK in a report investigating the impact of climate change on health in 2018. The city’s planned growth also has the potential to add to this, placing additional strain on the transport network and exacerbating harmful emissions. Cardiff Council, therefore, wished to explore options for providing cleaner and more sustainable transport options for the City and in their Transport and Clean Air Green Paper made a number of proposals to improve transport and air quality in Cardiff including the intended growth of electric vehicle ownership. What we did: Over the last 18 months, Zero Carbon Futures and Arcadis have worked together on an ongoing programme of support to help Cardiff Council meet the ambitions of their strategy. Our partnership began in early 2018 as we were commissioned to undertake an EV charging feasibility study for the city. The objective of the study was to develop recommendations for a Cardiff charging strategy taking into account European, UK and Welsh transport policy and the opportunities and requirements for action at a local level. A key part of this work was to take into account a range of available insights including vehicle forecasts, demographics, travel behaviour as well as local knowledge, and provide recommendations for the first steps in implementing the most suitable charging infrastructure solution for the City. The recommendations covered a variety of charge point location types which included residential, city centre and rapid recharging facilities. After reviewing the recommendations set out in the feasibility study, Cardiff Council decided to make...
Projects PROJECT VALUE: €7 million PARTNERS: Nissan, BMW, ESB, Renault, VW and Newcastle University Challenge: To develop a network of multi-standard rapid charge points across the UK and into Ireland. What we did: Zero Carbon Futures was commissioned by Nissan to develop a bid and then manage the Rapid Charge Network project which was funded by the European Union’s TEN-T programme. The project set about developing a network of rapid charge points along the main motorways of the UK covering the A14 down in Ipswich right up to the A74 in Scotland. The network was suitable for all electric vehicles and the project aimed to break down one of the major barriers to the uptake of EVs. The role for Zero Carbon Futures was varied. Our project management covered both the installation of the 74 charge points, dealing with multiple stakeholders throughout the project but we also played a critical role in monitoring and reporting on process for all partners involved and the European Union. A key objective for the EU was to ensure that we shared the knowledge gained from the project with other countries and we also took the lead role in all communications and dissemination activity which covered a number of European conferences; a dedicated website; publications on the project and digital communications. Result: A fully developed network of 74 rapid charge points. GET IN TOUCH ← Previous (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) Next (Cardiff Council) → Let’s drive change together Find out more about our work and receive our latest technical guides direct to your inbox. Email Name Organisation Leave this field empty if you're...
Projects PROJECT: Supporting the scoping and delivery of EV charging infrastructure Challenge: West Yorkshire commissioned a detailed feasibility study of potential locations for charging infrastructure in support of their electric vehicle strategy. What we did: In 2016, Zero Carbon Futures was commissioned to assess the feasibility of 60 locations throughout the West Yorkshire area for their suitability for charging infrastructure. The study assessed each location individually investigating the type of charge points required; the suitable quantity and any additional energy supply requirements. As part of the project, ZCF also considered the use type (customers, dwell time and power) and likely demand at each site. We were then able to make detailed recommendations on each location categorising each by use case and also ensuring each location could be future proofed to meet increasing demand. Each site was costed individually and ZCF then advised on the best value charging options. “Our experience of working with Zero Carbon Futures has helped us to develop a coherent strategy for West Yorkshire’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Their knowledge and experience in the industry coupled with their significant number of contacts provided us with a fully-costed plan for moving forward.” Alistair Ryder, Integrated Transport, West Yorkshire Combined Authority The result: The output of the study included site survey results, site drawings and costings including DNO quotations for each location, alongside a full set of recommendations for the next steps for West Yorkshire’s charging network. GET IN TOUCH ← Previous (Aberdeenshire Council) Next (The Rapid Charge Network) → Let’s drive change together Find out more about our work and receive our latest technical guides direct to your inbox....
Projects PROJECT: Feasibility study for low carbon filling stations Challenge: ZCF were commissioned in October 2016 to undertake a feasibility study for Aberdeenshire Council into the opportunities for the development of Low Carbon Transport Recharging Hubs. What we did: The aim of the hubs was to support the wider uptake of ULEV by addressing the two common barriers: lack of knowledge about the technology, and range anxiety about the vehicles’ suitability for people’s daily lives. The Council stated their interest in developing a re-fuelling hub for electric, hydrogen and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles which would also provide access to loan and demonstration vehicles. Our work was to undertake a thorough assessment of the existing network in Aberdeenshire, gaining an understanding of the current demand and forecasting uptake of both electric vehicles and recharging facilities. Our first step was to analyse electric car sales data within the area supplemented with Charge Your Car membership data to allow us to see patterns of current low emission vehicle ownership in the area. We then conducted analysis of current charging data and patterns to help to understand usage and current demand. Travel patterns, demographics and housing stock was also analysed to allow us to draw conclusions on specific areas of current high use. This desk based research was also supplemented by an online survey circulated through the Council’s communications channels to gain the current understanding, perceptions and barriers to uptake of electric car amongst the local population. Our next step was to analyse hydrogen and CNG use and the requirements needed to incorporate these fuels into one station with electric charging. We also put...
Projects PROJECT: Electric Vehicle infrastructure study and stakeholder engagement Challenge: To assist Staffordshire County Council, its districts and Stoke-on-Trent to develop a prioritised, locally relevant EV infrastructure strategy to guide future action and investment for the area. What we did: Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF) was commissioned through AECOM to support the development of an EV strategy for the region. The partners needed support to inform the approach of the County Council and partners towards supporting and promoting electric vehicles and appropriate charging infrastructure. The requirement was to advise on realistic requirements and identify a range of measures that could be incorporated into the planning system; that could be promoted to the general public; and took input from a range of stakeholders. ZCF’s first task was to carry out a baseline study to assess plug-in vehicle uptake in the region to date and demand for its existing charging estate. This included information about electric vehicle capabilities and availability, charging infrastructure suitability and funding. Together this package of information enable the Council to make informed decisions regarding the development of an appropriate strategy for the region. Complementing this study, ZCF also undertook a public survey to assess the EV knowledge and awareness of Staffordshire area residents and the potential need for public charging infrastructure. The study received almost 300 responses. Drawing the results of both elements of the project together, ZCF delivered two stakeholder workshops. One aimed at council decision makers and councillors with relevant portfolio responsibility providing the facts about EVs and charging, dispelling myths and providing a realistic view on requirements, to guide support for an effective e-mobility strategy....
Projects PROJECT: Creating an infrastructure for a minibus fleet Challenge: Community Transport Glasgow is on a mission to replace their ageing minibus fleet with an electric alternative and ZCF were commissioned to support that transition. What we did: Community Transport Glasgow is a social enterprise that provides transport solutions to the communities of Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire. The organisation transports 75,000 passengers each year in over 132,000 journeys. The ageing fleet is in need of replacement and mindful of their environmental impact made a decision to investigate moving to a fully electric fleet. The organisation currently operates 16 vehicles and an analysis undertaken by Energy Saving Trust Scotland concluded that 13 of those vehicles operate within a daily range capable of switching to electric. The team bid and secured funding of £900,000 to support this move. They will be one of the first community transport schemes in the UK to go electric. CTG commissioned ZCF in 2019 to undertake a feasibility study for the necessary charging infrastructure to charge the vehicles. As new vehicles on the market (the Orion-E), ZCF initially had to understand the type of infrastructure required for optimum charging. We analysed journey patterns to understand the back-at-base patterns and identify the most appropriate charging mechanisms. From here we looked at charger type and quantity to provide a specification to input into a further EST infrastructure bid. We also undertook a thorough analysis of the public infrastructure to help to identify where appropriate charging could take place away from the base. We concluded that CTG could make significant cost savings by doing so but also worked with CTG...
Projects PROJECT: An electric vehicle demand study Challenge: The North East Combined Authority (NECA) wished to understand forecasted demand for electric vehicles, their usage patterns and charging behaviour to help inform plans for Go Ultra Low filling stations and rapid charge hubs. Our role: Zero Carbon Futures, were commissioned following a competitive tender process, to draw on our extensive transport and infrastructure experience to undertake an Electric Vehicle demand study. The final report supported NECA in their ambition to build on their existing charging infrastructure. The study analysed a wealth of evidence and data on vehicle and charging behaviour. ZCF began by investigating demographics, population data, travel behaviour and housing stock. Car and EV ownership were analysed against national averages to predict Low, Medium and High forecasts for potential ULEV growth in the NECA area. Three years of charge point data across the NECA area was also analysed to understand location and peak time demand. By combining this wealth of intelligence, we were able to forecast the growth potential of the market in the NECA area and the impact that this may have on demand for charging facilities. A set of recommendations for locations for rapid charging hubs was then drawn up to support future infrastructure planning. Finally, ZCF also analysed the potential environmental, health and economic impacts of the additional infrastructure. The result: The development of a strategy which calculated the quantity and location for rapid charge hubs across the NECA area and their impact and demand. The result of the study was used to support a subsequent ERDF application. GET IN TOUCH ← Previous (Nestle) Next (Community Transport...
