Legislation is dictating the pace and direction of the UK’s journey towards net zero emissions. With the future of transport weighted heavily in the direction of electric vehicles, the necessity to create an effective EV charging infrastructure is paramount. The government is looking towards other bodies, and taking legislative measures, to fast-track the rollout of EV charging stations, placing more responsibility with property developers, businesses and homeowners.

A key driver behind this has been the introduction of updated Building Regulations (Part S) in England to help futureproof many new-build homes and businesses. And with this, comes new opportunities for many qualified electricians.

New rules, which came into effect in June 2022, specify that all new residential dwellings and new non-residential buildings with associated car parking have a smart EV charging point installed. And there is a distinct stipulation that new charging points must be ‘smart charge points’, which can be linked to energy tariffs, or renewable energy sources, and crucially supporting the pressure on the National Grid. The same rules apply to buildings that have undergone major renovation, with special clauses dependent on whether the building is residential, or non-residential.

The current high demand for qualified EV charging installers is expected to spiral over the coming years. Many savvy electricians have already spotted the opportunity to extend their skillset to become trained and approved EV charging point installers. The new Building Regulations, which will see around 145,000 more charging stations in operation around the UK, further intensifies the need for more EV installers in the countdown to 2030; this of course being the year when the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans come into effect.

So, with such a clear direction and commitment to electrification, and so much to be done to improve the EV charging infrastructure, it is the ideal time for electrical contractors to consider the potential opportunities, for both home charging points, or offering EV charging installer services to businesses.

And the zero-emissions clock is certainly ticking, speeding up the need for the swift rollout of improvements to the EV charging infrastructure. A pledge by the government to install over 250,000 EV chargers across the UK, in homes and workplaces has already been achieved. With another pledge of over 300,000 public chargers to be made available by 2030. It is being predicted that this year alone, UK businesses will invest in the region of £13.6 billion in electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure. A study conducted by Centrica Business Solutions suggests that 35% more businesses plan to operate electric vehicles by the end of 2022 (that’s really not far away!). That roughly equates to some 163,000 EVs expected to join UK fleets before the end of this year, with many more business operating fleets having plans to transition to electric in the next four years. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and a potentially lucrative one for electricians who are considering new revenue-streams.

While the notion of going down this path may seem appealing (and it really is!), it is imperative to understand the need for specialist EV charging installation training, recognised by OZEV. It is essential criteria for becoming a qualified EV charging installer, and a precursor to becoming listed on the all-important ‘Approved EV Installer’ list. The 2919 Electric Vehicles Charging qualification is one such example, offering experienced electricians to gain formal certification as an EV charging installer, involving both practical and theoretical training. Replenishh, as a leading distributor of EV charging equipment to the trade, is fully supportive of all approved EV training initiatives and has partnered with Napit to offer electricians the City & Guilds 2919 Electric Vehicles Charging qualification – Level 3 award in domestic, commercial and industrial electric vehicle charging equipment installation course, which is a 2-day guided course at one of Napit’s assessment centres, which are across the UK.

Once qualified via the City & Guilds 2919 course, the next step is to undergo the manufacturer product training courses, all free courses available via Replenishh, which provide essential knowledge on how to design, specify, install and commission the charge points for domestic and commercial applications.

As a one-stop shop for EV charging solutions, Replenishh is aiming to plug the gap in the skills shortage by supporting such initiatives. This dedication stems from a thorough understanding of the trade, and the need to equip electricians with the skills and equipment to get the job done right, first time.

Replenishh carries a huge stockholding of EV charging equipment ranging from charging stations to cabling, from many different manufacturers. Replenishh promises reliable and rapid distribution, including next day delivery from its state-of-the-art warehouse facilities. As a major bulk buyer from leading EV charging suppliers, Replenishh passes on very competitive pricing to customers, while providing the best product and tooling solutions in the market.

Making ‘smart solutions simple’, and giving electrical contractors knowledgeable advice and product support, is very much the Replenishh mantra.