SP Networks launches free online tool for charge point planning

In the UK, SP Energy Networks has launched the Charge Project’s ConnectMore Interactive Map (CIM). The map is a free online tool that allows local councils, site owners, property developers and chargepoint operators to identify optimum locations for charge points.

The Charge Project comes from SP Energy Networks and its partners EA Technology, PTV Group and Smarter Grid Solutions with the declared aim of accelerating the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure across Cheshire, Merseyside, North Shropshire, and North and Mid-Wales.

The ConnectMore Interactive Map (CIM) should not only identify where public EV charging demand is likely to be high but also where it can be accommodated by the electricity network with smallest-possible need for new cables or equipment.

Geoff Murphy, lead for the Charge Project at SP Energy Networks, says: “The CIM is a potential game-changer for public charge point installation. In the past, both local authorities and businesses have been put off from investing in EV charging because establishing expected demand and the feasibility of installations have often been too time-consuming and complex. The CIM could change that forever by quickly delivering the hard evidence that’s needed to get charge point projects off the ground.”

The CIM can also show demand data within four future scenarios based on different levels of EV uptake and charge point availability. These are then displayed in five-year increments from 2025 to 2050.

spenergynetworks.co.uk (announcement), spenergynetworks.co.uk (charging and grid), spenergynetworks.co.uk (interactive map terms)