Charge Collective is a UK Power Networks innovation project focused on one of the practical barriers to electric vehicle adoption: where and how public charging networks are built, and who pays for the connections. The project works with local authorities to plan local, public charging infrastructure in places that risk being left behind in the transition to net zero.
The methodology is based on collaboration and cost analysis. According to UK Power Networks, Charge Collective is developing a framework tool to help local authorities characterise the electricity connection cost barrier. The project then identifies where a core network of public charge points is needed and examines what private investors are willing to pay to connect those charge points. Where upfront connection costs remain a barrier, the project explores financial support mechanisms to prevent gaps in provision.
The project’s main insight is that the economics of grid connection can determine whether charging infrastructure is built at all, especially in areas without strong commercial returns. By reducing or sharing those costs, the project aims to make public charging more viable in underserved locations and avoid a two-speed rollout of EV infrastructure.
Publicly available material suggests the project has already informed a new approach to reducing reinforcement costs for chargepoints. It is also linked to UK Power Networks’ wider work on smart charging and EV infrastructure planning. The initiative is led by UK Power Networks, with local authorities as key delivery partners; the broader context includes collaboration across the UK electricity and charging ecosystem.
UK Power Networks is based in London and serves electricity distribution across the South East of England, London and the East of England.