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Posted: 6th January 2025

National Grid Global Centre for Technical Excellence

The Client

ElectrAssure has been the sole provider of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions to National Grid UK since 2021, following a successful competitive tender for the RIIO-T2 funding round.

The framework contract aims to support National Grid in transitioning 60% of its commercial fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2026. Over the past four years, ElectrAssure has installed more than 1,700 charging bays at nearly 300 substations and corporate locations, ensuring market-leading uptime through full support and maintenance services.

The Challenge

National Grid’s training centre in Eakring, Nottinghamshire, is the primary UK training facility for staff and contractors. The initial 3 x 7kW AC chargers installed on-site were no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand from staff and visitors. In early 2024, plans were initiated to expand the charging infrastructure to future-proof the site for business and fleet needs.

Initial consultations were conducted by National Grid UK, ElectrAssure, National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), and MCP Environmental Services (the preferred civils works provider). These consultations included multiple site surveys and electrical designs to maximize charging infrastructure capacity while also informing NGED of the transformer size required.

Assessments determined that the site would benefit most from 40 EV charging stations, comprising:

  • 38 x GARO LS4 7kW dual AC chargers for staff and visitors with full-day parking needs.
  • 2 x GARO Rapid 60kW dual DC chargers for staff and visitors requiring faster turnaround times.

The Planning Phase:

Due to the significant power demands of the installation, a new Megawatt Transformer was required to provide sufficient power through a dedicated electrical connection. NGED, as the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) for the region, managed this aspect, with ElectrAssure providing input on power requirements (1600A TP) and substation placement to minimize site impact.

Plans were developed for civils enabling works to allow for the DNO connection to be commissioned and energized by January 2025. The civils designs, created by Millwards Consulting, included:

  • Concrete pads and cable troughs for feeder pillar housings (NGED switchgear and main LVAC panel).
  • Sub-pillar housings for LVAC distribution equipment for EV charging.
  • A complex system of ducts and chambers to accommodate cabling for distribution points and charging units.
  • Integration of street lighting into the new electrical system to prevent touch potential issues due to separate earthing provisions.

The Installation & Commissioning Phase:

Civil works commenced in July 2024 following multiple design and project planning meetings. Over an 6 month period, the installation included:

  • Concrete pads, troughs, and ducting, completed by September 2024.
  • Installation and delivery of switchgear, feeder pillars, and cabling, including:
    • 1600A Schneider MCCB LVAC panel
    • 4 x 5m x 5m GRP feeder pillars
    • 4 x 400A Schneider MCCB panels
    • 16 Matt-e OPEN units for required earthing protection
  • Installation of 38 x GARO LS4 7kW dual AC chargers and 2 x GARO Rapid 60kW dual DC chargers.
  • Installation of containment & distribution hardware, prepared for the transformer’s commissioning.

By early January 2025, NGED successfully commissioned and energized the transformer following extensive safety and continuity testing of the LV electrical systems.

Following NGED’s works, ElectrAssure finalized the installation and configuration of the charging infrastructure:

  • Conducted testing and certification of all installed systems.
  • Activated the Hubeleon Charge Point Management System (CPMS) for seamless operation.

The Outcome:

By the end of January 2025, the new charging stations were fully operational, providing National Grid with the largest EV charging provision across its property footprint. This expansion enables:

  • Reliable charging infrastructure for National Grid’s electric fleet.
  • Increased charging availability for staff and visitors.
  • Continued industry-leading training and operations at the Eakring facility.

ElectrAssure is proud to have supported National Grid in its mission to electrify its fleet and drive the transition toward a zero-emission future.

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