Recipe for success: delivering a new site installation efficiently and effectively

When it comes to EV charging, someone may identify a location and think, “We need a new site here”. What initially appears straight forward on paper can quickly become a complex challenge involving power availability, permissions, programme timelines, and public expectations. The solution doesn’t need to be complicated - it comes down to addressing the fundamentals early in the process. Zest’s Operations Director, Dan Harris, outlines the key considerations for delivering a successful installation:

1. “Start with accurate site data, engage the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) early, and define scope clearly to avoid delays later in the project.

2. Design for delivery by standardising where possible, ensuring buildability, and meeting regulatory and accessibility requirements from the outset.

3. Overlap design, procurement, and construction phases to accelerate delivery, while maintaining strong control over cost, risk, and quality.

4. Proactively manage grid, land ownership, and stakeholder risks, from project inception to completion.”

Where projects tend to wobble: the common challenges

Dan explained that certain issues can be common:

• Commercial payback or return on investment sets what’s viable in terms of the scope of the project.

• DNO timelines often dictate the schedule - they have many dependencies to work with, including available grid capacity and timescales for design approvals.

• Gaining legal consent from third-party landowners for access and excavation can be a lengthy process.  

• Developers, customers, and the public expect visible progress fast.

• Local Authority governance and permitting also take time.

While the above are not dealbreakers, they do need active management to help projects align.

What’s changing: it’s less about new kit, more about smarter processes

According to Dan, rather than new technologies, changes willcome from streamlining processes:

• Clearer signals on power availability. DNOmapping/planning tools let teams assess feasibility earlier; this supportslocal authority planning and prioritisation.

• A cleaner permitting route. The Department forTransport (DfT) has updated traffic management and permitting rules for EVchargepoint installations. While previously chargepoint operators (CPOs) had toapply for a Section 50 licence for permission to install, remove, or maintain apparatuson a public highway, the new rules have changed this. Now, CPOs can managetheir own permits as statutory undertakers, meaning there’s no need to apply tolocal authorities for the licence each time work is carried out.

• The changes are intended to speed up approvals, create amore consistent process, and maintain coordination standards.

The takeaway: Dan’s insight makes it clear thatsuccessful EV charging installations are built on strong early planning andproactive management. Start with accurate data and a clearly defined scope,designing for buildability and compliance from the outset. Overlap projectphases with strong governance, and treat grid, land and stakeholder managementas core workstreams to make delivery more consistent and repeatable.

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