The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium – committed to driving the UK’s transition to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) – has released its latest guidance – the eHGV Charger Connections Guide. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the complexities surrounding the connection of electric HGV (eHGV) chargers to the UK’s electricity network, offering vital insights into the necessary steps, costs, and challenges involved.

Key insights and practical findings

The eHGV Charger Connections Guide offers step-by-step guidance on the connections process for eHGV chargers where new or reinforced connections are required. The report assumes minimal technical background. The guidance includes:

1. Site and connection guidance: The guidance lays out key considerations for identifying suitable sites, checking existing grid capacity, estimating connection costs, and evaluating timelines for both new connections and upgrades at current facilities.
2. Flexible connection options: The report highlights how flexible connections – where reinforcement of the wider network is avoided or postponed – can help reduce the cost and time involved. Options include non-firm connections, which offer access to the grid under certain conditions, allowing fleet operators to choose more affordable and faster installation paths.
3. Using Distribution Network Operator (DNO) heatmaps: A vital resource, DNO heatmaps help operators locate areas with sufficient grid capacity. The guide walks users through various DNO tools, showcasing how to interpret and use them effectively. Insights into these maps enable operators to make informed decisions on site selection, expected network constraints, and planned reinforcements.
4. Planning for growth: The guide provides stakeholders with the criteria needed if looking to connect to a higher voltage to facilitate future roll out of chargers.