As more people move towards electric vehicles, the country’s charging infrastructure will have to adapt to meet the high demand for more charging stations.
The main challenge for electric vehicles has always been charging, and many cities worldwide are already becoming oversaturated with a demand for more stations. Unlike traditional petrol stations, EV charging stations are technologically complex and require additional design elements to ensure they function efficiently.
MEP engineers are now working on innovative ways to plan and build more charging points across urban infrastructures. Learn more about how MEP engineers are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future of tomorrow.
EV charging station infrastructure
Because EV charging stations will have to adapt to pre-existing conditions, the key role of MEP engineers who work on these projects largely involves site assessment and analysis.
On top of surveying the area, an MEP engineer is responsible for due diligence when carrying out an EV station project. This includes ensuring the project complies with local building codes, restrictions, conditions, and environmental zoning laws. Depending on the unique circumstances of the location, EV station projects may require special permits and become legally complex matters before breaking ground.
When it comes to the electrical design and infrastructure of a new EV charging station, MEP engineers must consider a myriad of details, including:
- Total number of charging points
- AC or DC necessities
- Power requirements needed for effective charging
- Safety standards for users
- Renewable energy sources
- Peak loads and calculations
Though EV stations may seem like simple constructions, every hub must adapt to its specific location. As such, designing and building an EV station is a far more complex endeavour than a typical filling station.
MEP engineers must also consider additional components with EV stations, such as tracking and monitoring software, that must be implemented to ensure the site is operational. As more advancements are made in EV and MEP technology, more changes are expected in how we think about charging electric vehicles.
The future of electric vehicles and MEP design
Insofar as sustainable design, energy efficiency is a crucial consideration. Many MEP engineers work with renewable sources and applications to power EV stations to promote sustainable design.
Currently, many EV projects across the UK are financed by grants, green incentives, and sustainable legislation. Earlier this year, the Department of Transport announced a bid to increase the number of EV stations to 300,000 by 2030. This means the total EV stations will multiply ten-fold in the next eight years.
As a result of sustainable legislation, over £450 million in public funds will be distributed to build up more infrastructure, focusing on major EV hubs and on-street chargers.
There are roughly 420,000 electric vehicles on UK roads, but only about 29,000 public charging stations to serve the population. As the government prepares to ban the sale of petrol and diesel-powered cars, MEP engineers will have plenty of work ahead in helping design a new infrastructure for future generations.