Helping developers respond to changes in building regulations and demand for off-plot charging
TriConnex has announced the launch of a residential electric vehicle (EV) charging product in partnership with EO Charging.
Our comprehensive residential EV charging solution will meet current and future requirements with industry leading technology, offering the supply, design and connection of EV chargers between 7kW to 350kW, depending on the size and scale of a developer’s project.
As part of the UK government’s aim to further incentivise UK drivers to choose an electric vehicle, it has signalled a change in building regulations to ensure a charge point is installed on every home with parking. The proposed changes would require developers to provide active charging provision in all new build residential developments. This would mean additional costs, operational challenges with regards to the management of charging points, and the requirement to select a solution that is reliable and complies with new regulations.
Whilst it is easy to fit a charging point to a single dwelling, there are inevitable complexities in shared developments or spaces such as with billing, maintenance and repairs of the equipment. TriConnex’ partnership with EO Charging resolves this by installing smart equipment that is market leading and can distinguish the cars and energy used each time for smart billing as well as providing unparalleled customer care and service should there be any issues. It is the first independent multi-utility provider to include a full EV supply and installation proposal within its quotations.
EO designs and manufactures industry-leading EV chargers and supplies hardware-agnostic cloud-based charge-point management software. Their products include the smallest smart fast chargers for individual homes, as well as larger units for charging in communal and public parking areas.
Benefits for developers
Meeting the growing customer demand for electric vehicle charging can increase the value of residential developments. As an independent residential specialist, TriConnex supports and advises developers on the extra capacity required to provide household and shared EV charging facilities. Through its partnership with EO Charging it now offers a fully inclusive product that also provides an innovative lifetime adoption option for long-term ownership and management of off-plot, shared and community chargers, removing this burden from management companies. Ensuring that the network capacity precisely matches the predicted charging demand provides certainty, both with regards to cost and delivery. TriConnex only specifies compliant, reliable equipment that offers homeowners the best experience.
On-plot EV charging can now be achieved with no increase in electrical loading, saving money and time through reduction in the number and size of cables required on site. Considering the current high prices of primary materials, such as aluminium and copper, that’s the right choice for both the environment and developers’ budgets.
Given the complexity of the technology and how rapidly it is evolving, the TriConnex team invests extensively in researching and creating products that help developers meet shifting planning and regulatory requirements and growing customer demands for EV chargers. This involves working closely with government, technical and industry organisations such as the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and developers. As a result, TriConnex is constantly reshaping its proposition, not just to meet the imminent building regulations, but also planning ahead for future technological developments and electricity demands.
Tackling inequity
Electric vehicles are cheaper to run and operate than petrol or diesel cars, even for drivers on a low income. But ease of use is just as important as affordability. Unfortunately, 62 per cent of households in British cities and urban areas don’t have their own parking space or garage. These EV owners have to charge at a charging station, or at the side of the road.
TriConnex’ new offering will deal with this problem in new build residential developments. Building regulations mandate chargers on plot, beyond which it’s a lottery of what the planners will be asking for on behalf of the occupiers.
Chris Doré, Business Development Director at TriConnex Ltd, said: “As the transition to electric vehicles gathers momentum, we expect to see an increasing demand for reliable, competitively priced charging installations from EV owners who don’t have access to on-plot parking. By providing a full range of residential EV charging solutions we want to add value to our customers’ developments and enable drivers to switch to electric vehicles.”
Charlie Jardine, CEO at EO Charging, said: “The majority of electric vehicle drivers find it easiest to charge their vehicles at home, and overnight when electricity is often cheaper. By analysing where domestic vehicles spend the most dwell time, often at home, it’s clear that investment needs to be made in both private and public charging infrastructure to support the green revolution. With the Government set to mandate chargers in all new developments, this partnership is ahead of the curve in helping to deliver this service for residents who want to embrace the EV revolution now.”