What mistakes are typically made during the planning and design phase and how can Parco help to overcome these challenges?

From underestimating electrical capacity to inadequate budgeting, these errors can lead to delays and increased costs. At Parco, we take a proactive approach to ensure projects run smoothly. By conducting thorough assessments, site surveys, and integrating with existing infrastructure, we mitigate risks and streamline the installation process. Our expertise in future scalability and stakeholder engagement ensures long-term success. With a focus on optimal site selection and meticulous budgeting, Parco is committed to delivering efficient and effective solutions for EV charging infrastructure needs.

To what extent do the groundworks and infrastructure need to factor in when planning a project?

Firstly, we need to ensure the existing electrical infrastructure can support the extra load, often requiring upgrades to transformers, electrical panels, and wiring. Selecting the right location is crucial. It must be accessible, have a solid foundation, and comply with safety regulations. Securing the necessary permits and adhering to local, regional, and national regulations is essential, so early discussions with authorities can streamline this process.

Integrating the charging stations with existing infrastructure, such as car parks and renewable energy sources like solar panels, ensures an efficient layout. Futureproofing by installing scalable infrastructure can save costs over time. Creating a detailed budget that covers groundwork, equipment, and maintenance costs, along with seeking financial incentives, is important for managing expenses.

Finally, engaging with local communities, businesses, and utility companies helps address concerns and gain support, facilitating smoother project implementation and operation. Overall, thorough consideration of groundwork and infrastructure ensures the project is feasible, compliant with regulations, and successful in the long term.

There are different types of EV charging stations. What do you use and why?

At Parco, we use a variety of EV charging stations to cater to different needs and preferences. Our AC charging (7-22kw) are ideal for home and workplace charging due to their moderate charging speed and affordability. These chargers provide convenience for daily use and are suitable for longer charging sessions.

For public locations and commercial properties, we often install DC fast chargers (50kw-300kw typically) due to their rapid charging capabilities. These chargers are essential for reducing charging times, especially for drivers on the go who need to quickly top up their batteries.

Our choice of EV charging stations is driven by a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of EV drivers while also considering factors such as charging speed, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility.

Are the potential value-adds for coupling EV stations with onsite energy generation?

Coupling EV charging stations with on-site energy generation, like solar panels, offers many benefits. It cuts energy costs and reduces reliance on the grid, saving money in the long run and providing reliable power. Environmentally, it decreases carbon footprints and supports sustainability goals, boosting green credentials. Financial incentives, such as tax credits and grants, can help cover installation costs, and selling excess energy back to the grid can create additional revenue. It also helps manage the grid better by balancing loads and lowering peak demand.

For users, charging with renewable energy enhances their experience and attracts eco friendly customers. Additionally, this setup prepares the business for future regulations and allows for easy expansion as EV charging demand grows. Overall, combining EV stations with on-site energy generation is a smart, sustainable, and future-ready approach.

What are the environmental benefits of choosing to work with Parco?

At Parco, we recognise the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of our projects, which is why we prioritise the use of reduced carbon concrete in our construction processes. This environmentally friendly concrete alternative significantly lowers the embodied carbon emissions associated with traditional concrete, helping to mitigate our environmental impact.

Furthermore, our dedication to sustainability extends to our workforce recruitment practices. By prioritising the recruitment of a national workforce, we minimise the need for long-distance travel and reduce emissions associated with transportation. This approach not only supports local economies and communities but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We are constantly striving at Parco to create or find the next innovation to help reduce the carbon footprint.

Are there any recent case studies you can share with us?

Parco were the principal contractor working with the UK’s leading EV charging network, InstaVolt on expanding their largest charging hub to date. In response to continued growth in EV usage, 24 additional chargers have now been installed at their flagship site at Stroud Park in Banbury.

Situated on the M40, it is now one of the UK’s largest charging hubs. Originally operational with eight chargers, it now boasts an incredible 32 chargers in total following the installation of 16 new 120kW rapid chargers in addition to the previously installed eight 125kW rapid chargers and eight 150kW Alpitronics chargers.

Parco built the first expansion and after just a year, was instructed to expand the site by double due to the great uptake in usage.

Can you talk us through your process from point of first contact to project completion?

Parco were appointed principal contractor on this scheme so early contractual engagement was key in this work. Parco was involved in the early design stages and then creating all H&S working documents and programmes of works in preparation for the works to start.

As part of the early engagement, we had to compile a construction phase plan and construction management plan to appease any issues that we could foresee completing a job of this scale.

Once approved by our client/landowner, Parco established the site and managed the site throughout to completion, completing 90% of the works using our own workforce. Parco supply chain was instructed and managed where needed by Parco management team.

Parco oversaw the energisation of the scheme and commissioning with the client’s activation team. Once works were finished, Parco handed the site back to the client and aided the grand opening to the public.

What are some of the main highlights from this project?

The main highlight of this scheme was the efficiency in which we completed the works. Parco started and finished the works in just ten weeks. During the works, we received compliments from members of the public and our clients on how productive our teams were and how minimal the disruption was for the size of the scheme.

This was the largest scheme Parco had completed at the time and the first time we had been appointed principal contractor. This is a testament to how far we have come and has led into some large works and now tendering for some of the biggest EV projects in the UK with the biggest names in the EV market.

What were the biggest challenges you had to overcome?

One of the largest challenges on this scheme was, due to it being an expansion from a previous job Parco completed, the existing 16 chargers which needed to be left active. This needed extra care and attention to detail on the logistics plans to enable the large-scale scheme to run efficiently alongside the existing chargers which were in constant use by the public.

The Parco senior management team created a robust logistics plan in the early contractual engagement meetings to give the client/ landowner piece of mind that all works would be undertaken with minimal disruption to the existing charging hub and other businesses on the land. We completed this work without a single issue and were commended for the way in which we delivered the works on time and on budget.

Are there any exciting plans or projects in the pipeline?

We have just broken ground on the biggest rapid charging hub in the UK. Three Maids Hill in Winchester is a 44 charger hub with café, playground and solar farm on site. This will be the first of its size of solely rapid chargers in the UK. This is a seven-month scheme which will be open early 2025. It will be the largest EV scheme Parco has been involved in and a testament to how far we have come in the EV market.

Parco have been appointed principal contractor on this scheme and have been involved in supporting the design element and submissions to the local authorities for completing the licensing process for the new access onto the premises from the highway. Find out more about the Super Hub project here.

The exponential growth of the company has seen our growth plans gather pace, including actively looking for premises in the north of the country so we can reduce our carbon footprint more by reducing the logistics of the company. This includes actively recruiting from the North of England and Scotland.