How can I electrify my fleet

Client

bp pulse is the UK’s only fully integrated, end-to-end manufacturer and operator of charging infrastructure and its focus is on enabling EV drivers to charge at home, at work and on the go.

The company works with the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers to support their customers, as well as some of the UK’s biggest fleets, leasing companies and local authorities. Since 2010 its EV chargers have been used more than 35 million times.

Challenge

bp pulse are currently rolling-out EV charging hubs throughout the UK, including at traditional forecourt sites and inner-city locations like multi-story car parks. In response to increase demand from local electric taxis and private hire vehicle operators in central London, we collaborated with the company to develop and install a rapid charging hub at Q-Park’s underground Park Lane site.

Installing a rapid charging hub in an underground car park brings two major engineering challenges: the first challenge is how to safely and seamlessly fit industrial-scale electricity substations into a confined space. The second is how to manage capacity constraints with the local electricity network.

We worked closely with our client to overcome the challenges by guiding them through the grid-connection process, including meeting regulations and design standards to install the chargers on time and on budget.

Approach and innovation

We managed the grid-connection, substation, and electrical network infrastructure installation for the project. This included in innovative ‘double-skin brick-built’ enclosures for the underground electricity substations.

Our role covered:

• Overall management of safety and operational programming
• Construction of brick-built substations for connection to the local electricity network and Bp pulse’s electricity transformer.
• Extensive below and above-ground earthing systems for both substations
• Small power and lighting fit-out of both substations
• Liaising with and supervision of key sub-contractors
• Installation of the electrical and communications cable management system
• Installation of cabling to EV chargers
• Installation of main supply cabling from feeder pillars
• Test and commissioning of the entire electrical installation
• Production and implementation of the system protection scheme
• Electrical supplies to bp pulse

Delivery and collaboration

With the site staying open for regular parking during the project, we worked closely with bp pulse and Q-Park to minimise disruption, managing engagement with the local authority and ensure the project was completed on time.

To maximise efficiency, we completed our works in two phases. Phase one saw us install an initial 10 electric vehicle chargers. For phase two we installed a second electrical feeder pillar, connecting an additional 12 chargers. We also provided specialist support with branded signage and displays for the site. We delivered this expansion in fourth months with no additional disruption to Q-Park’s day-to-day operations, providing a cost effective and time efficient solution for our client.

Join our mailing list