This involved creating both public and council fleet EV strategies and toolkits as well as identifying the best funding and procurement routes for a network of 70 charging points located across 21 carparks. Amey’s robust, data-driven approach has delivered a user-focused network alongside cost savings for the Council as well as significant potential public health benefits.
The challenge
Amey’s Intelligent Mobility team has worked with Telford & Wrekin Council since 2020, supporting implementation of its flagship Ultra-low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Strategy. This aims to support and encourage growth in the ULEV market and create a coordinated network of charging points across Telford.
Amey’s work focused on three key workstreams:
- Developing the public EV charging strategy and toolkit;
- Developing the council fleet EV charging strategy and toolkit; and,
- Identifying funding and procurement options.
Shropshire’s largest town, Telford is also one of the UK’s fastest growing towns, with 11.4% population growth between 2011 and 2021.
Our approach
Amey used a data-driven approach to identify optimal locations for publicly accessible EV chargers and promote use. This incorporated scrutinising critical factors - including existing infrastructure, economics and human behaviour patterns - and assessing technology and uptake along with commercial and procurement models.
Public EV charging strategy
This was informed by rigorous analysis of commercial and technological options and demand patterns and included:
- A policy and funding review to fully understand key policy and financial impacts and opportunities
- A technology and market review to examine suitability of existing and emerging technologies for different charging environments
- Identifying the most suitable commercial models, including ownership models for charging infrastructure options for generating revenue from charging assets, parking and ancillary services
- A data-driven demand analysis identifying prime locations for maximising use of charging infrastructure
Council EV charging strategy
Key elements included analysis of existing commuting patterns and fleet use along with operational considerations:
- A review of existing analysis on the council’s fleet in line with plans for electrification
- An analysis of staff commuting patterns at office and depot locations
- Recommendations for back-office management, access and payment architecture
Funding and procurement
Amey supported Telford & Wrekin throughout the funding, procurement and planning process, helping them to secure funding for the charging network and carrying out live trials to optimise the location of new charging points:
- Supported Telford & Wrekin Council in its successful bid for £683,370 Office for Zero Emission Vehicle funding
- Worked with partners to deliver on-street trials for EV charging
- Extensive engagement with charge point operators to inform procurement decisions
- Acted as a ‘critical friend’ giving support and sharing expertise throughout the tender process
Benefits
Our robust, data driven approach has delivered a borough-wide EV charging network for Telford, supporting the Council’s net zero ambitions and creating an infrastructure that will improve air quality and benefit public health.
Comprehensive analysis and on street trials identified optimal locations for charging points, benefiting both council and public drivers and ultimately promoting wider transition to EV use. Identification of funding streams delivered financial savings and comprehensive stakeholder engagement and scrutiny of options promoted smooth delivery. Adoption and use of the new charging points was further supported by the production user-orientated toolkits for both council and public drivers.