Bovingdon Studios
Client:
The EV Network
Utility Line have recently completed works on behalf of The EV Network at the NEC Campus in the West Midlands. Launching today, Thursday 9th September, making this one of the largest EV charging hubs in Europe. BP Pulse are the Charge Point Operator (CPO) for the site, this will now significantly increase the amount of EV charging infrastructure within the UK. Hosting a range of both ultra-rapid and AC charging, providing requirements for all types of charging within one location.
The project was awarded to Utility Line in February 2023 and the team moved quickly to ensure they were on site exactly 2-weeks later on 22nd February, working with Toureen Group, the Civil Engineering Contractor appointed to the project, Utility Line completed the full design of the AC and DC infrastructure, enabling us to meet the programme start date.
Following this, the team installed 4 x pre-cast concrete bases, an alternative solution to building standard concrete bases onsite, these were provided by Banagher Precast. The pre-cast bases are a time saving alternative designed to eliminate in-situ works and reduce installation from 3 days to just 3 hours. The bases also provide an environmentally friendlier solution, eradicating concrete waste, reducing CO2 emissions and using up to 6 tonnes less concrete than an in-situ base.
Utility Line completed a HV grid connection direct from the existing DNO primary substation in mid-May and the site was then energised in quick succession on the 15th May. Following energisation, within 4-weeks the team had installed 150 x 7kw AC chargers and 16 x 300kw rapid Alpitronic DC chargers were landed and terminated into position, 11,142 meters of LV cable and 360 meters of HV cable were supplied and installed and a combined total of 1,200 LV terminations and 12 HV terminations were completed. Alongside this, the installation of 11 Schnieder LV panels and 5 packaged Schnieder substations and GRP units were installed and commissioned.
To summarise, a full-turnkey service was provided for this project and Utility Lines services comprised of delivering:
- Design of HV grid connection, LV infrastructure – BS7671 design
- Supply and installation of 4 x Banagher Pre-Cast substation bases
- Construct 4 x NAL STAKKAbox LV panel cabinet bases
- Installation and commissioning of 5 x 1.5 MVA Packaged Substations
- Offsite civil engineering works and grid connection
- Installation and commissioning of 11 x Schnieder LV Panels
- Installation of 150 x 7kw AC chargers and 16 x 300kw rapid Alpitronic DC chargers
- Supply and installation of 11,142 meters LV cable and 360 meters of HV cable
- Installation of electrical connection for solar canopy
- 1,212 electrical terminations were completed
- Installation of street lighting network and digital signage
The site opened to the public on Thursday 7th September and will change and improve the landscape of Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure nationwide for the better. This project was the largest Utility Line has worked on to date and was a resounding success and great platform that showcases our teams capabilities. Here’s what our client had to say:
Mike Denham. Construction Director from the EV Network said:
“The delivery and execution of the NEC has been second to none. In my 13 years of project management, I’ve never experienced such professionalism and quality from an ICP from start to completion.
Other than the obvious thanks to yourself, Ryan, and Joseph for all the hard work, long hours and constantly going the extra mile. I’d like to highlight the outstanding contribution of the entire delivery team involved in building this site.
On a standout note, both Ross and James have been exceptional, repeatedly assisting in any way possible to ensure the project was completed to a standard above all expectations, they really are a credit to the business.
Thank you again to the entire staff at Utility Line for all your hard work, it’s been an absolute pleasure!”
Nick Ravden, Managing Director from Utility Line said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen and trusted by The EV Network on this industry leading project to deliver the full electrical turnkey works, from the design of the electrical network/grid connection all the way through to the full onsite EV installation. As an ICP, we truly believe that delivering the full turnkey electrical works on EV infrastructure builds delivers consistency and quality throughout the project, dealing with one Project Manager really makes a difference when delivery large scopes of works on one site. This project has been has a great success, working with other industry leaders like Tourine Group, who provided the Civil Engineering works for The EV Network. Their expertise, knowledge and quality they brought to the project was outstanding and it was a pleasure to have worked with them on this site.
It's been brilliant to work with Mike Denham on this project and we look forward to working with our client the EV Network on many more. You have been not only a brilliant client on this project, but great partners and support from start to finish.
Playing a vital role in building the infrastructure for EV charging solutions and making them more accessible throughout the UK is something we’re extremely proud of, and I cannot thank the Utility Line teams and our supply chain, that have worked tirelessly onsite throughout the year to deliver and complete the project in a timely and professional manner.”
