From Application to Energisation: EV & DNO Survival guide!
The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating across all sectors—from staff car parks and commercial fleets to public charging hubs and e-HGV depots. However, one critical factor often catches businesses off guard: the grid connection.
Installing EV charge points isn’t just about buying chargers and bolting them to the ground. For most commercial and fleet operations, you’ll need additional power capacity, which means navigating the complex world of grid connections, DNO applications, and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
At e-dno, we’ve helped businesses across the UK secure the power they need for EV charging.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why Grid Connections Matter for EV Charging
Whether you’re installing charge points for:
- Fleet vehicles (vans, trucks, or e-HGVs)
- Staff parking facilities
- Commercial premises with customer or tenant charging
- Public charging networks
- Heavy goods vehicle depots
…the power demands typically exceed what your existing electrical supply can handle. A single 50kW rapid charger draws roughly the same power as 15-20 average homes. Scale that up to multiple chargers, and you’re looking at a substantial grid connection requirement.
The Key Considerations Before You Apply
1. Harmonics Data and Load Analysis
Before approaching your DNO or iDNO, you need robust technical data:
Harmonics data from your chosen chargers is essential. EV chargers can introduce harmonics into the electrical system, which can affect power quality and other equipment. Your DNO will want to see this information to assess network impact.
Proper load analysis is equally critical. This means understanding:
- Your total expected charging load (including diversity factors)
- Time-of-day usage patterns
- Future expansion plans
- Interaction with existing site loads
Without accurate load analysis, you risk under-specifying (leading to costly upgrades later) or over-specifying (paying for capacity you’ll never use).
2. Ramping Agreements with DNOs/iDNOs
Don’t need your full capacity immediately? A ramping agreement allows you to phase your power connection in line with actual demand growth. Instead of paying upfront for 2MW when you currently need 500kW, you can agree a schedule that increases capacity as your fleet electrifies.
This approach reduces initial costs and aligns capital expenditure with revenue generation—particularly valuable for public charging operators or businesses with staged fleet replacement programs.
3. Metering Arrangements
Your metering setup will depend on connection voltage and capacity & DUOS charges:
- HV metering
- LV substation metering
- LV meter
Each has different cost implications, technical requirements, and ongoing operational considerations. Getting this right from the start avoids expensive retrofits.
4. Power ‘Curfews’ and Peak Limitations
Some businesses negotiate capacity restrictions during peak hours to reduce connection costs. For example, you might accept reduced capacity during winter evening peaks (5-7pm) in exchange for lower overall charges.
This works well if your charging can be managed flexibly—staff vehicles charging overnight, or HGVs on optimized schedules. However, it requires smart charging systems and careful operational planning.
The e-dno Advantage: Your End-to-End Partner
Navigating grid connections for EV charging involves multiple specialists: Independent Connection Providers (ICPs), civils contractors, DNOs, iDNOs, and metering providers. Coordinating these parties while ensuring competitive pricing is a challenge.
Our Unique Mini-Tendering Model
e-dno streamlines this complexity with our unique mini-tendering approach:
For ICP & Civils Works: We tender your project to our network of qualified contractors, ensuring you get competitive quotes without sacrificing quality or compliance.
For iDNO Asset Adoption Valuations: When you’re adopting electrical assets into an iDNO network, we manage the valuation process, ensuring fair pricing and smooth adoption.
For EV Charging Installation: Through our trusted install partners and manufacturer relationships, we apply the same competitive model to the charging infrastructure itself—not just the connection.
Full-Turnkey Support
From initial consultation through to energization, e-dno provides:
- Technical feasibility assessment
- Load analysis coordination and review
- Application management with DNOs and iDNOs
- Design optimisation to balance performance and cost
- Quote comparison through our mini-tendering process
- Project coordination across all contractors
- Compliance assurance throughout
We speak the technical language of DNOs, understand the commercial realities of fleet electrification, and maintain the project management oversight that keeps everything on track.
Getting Started
The earlier you involve connection specialists in your EV charging plans, the better. Grid connection timelines can range from months to over a year for larger projects—often the longest lead item in your entire program.
Whether you’re installing a handful of charge points for staff vehicles or building a major e-HGV depot, the fundamentals remain the same: understand your power requirements, gather the right technical data, explore your options for phasing and flexibility, and work with partners who can navigate the process efficiently.
Ready to Power Your EV Future?
At e-dno, we’ve simplified what was once a fragmented, opaque process. Our team brings together the technical expertise, industry relationships, and project management capability to deliver your grid connection efficiently and cost-effectively.
Don’t let grid connection complexity slow down your electrification plans.
Contact us today to discuss your EV charging grid connection requirements. Our team will assess your needs, explain your options, and provide a clear path forward.
Learn more about our services or about e-dno and how we’re helping businesses across the UK navigate the energy transition.
This guide provides general information about grid connection processes and consultation services. Specific technical requirements vary by location, project type, and DNO. Professional assessment of your particular circumstances is recommended for all grid connection projects.
Thank you for reading.
Best regards,
Eva & Thomas
Co-Founders
