Navigating EV charging energy demands

EV charging can support carbon reduction efforts for businesses, and, with proper auditing and management, offers a futureproof solution to meeting these targets, explains Steve Briggs, Electrical Technical Manager at Fuuse.

Recent insights from Fuuse, an EV charge point software provider, highlight the critical connection between EV charging and energy management in achieving environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

By 2050, the UK government has pledged to achieve net zero emissions. To reach this, all sectors must consider how they can positively impact change. ESG targets hold companies accountable for overall CO₂ consumption and the reduction of greenhouse gases, including EV charger installation and energy optimisation initiatives. To understand a business’ energy capacity before charger installation, an audit should be carried out.

Energy monitoring, management and auditing

UK businesses waste over £30 billion annuallythrough inefficient energy use. Understanding and optimising consumption across operational sites is paramount, especially with the increasing adoption of EV charging. Auditing energy ahead of charger installation, introducing dynamic load balancing to protect the breaker switch, and using intuitive monitoring and management enablescompanies to achievesignificant financial and carbon savings.

With approximately 50% of UK businesses considering EV charging, promoting EV adoption is a growing trend. However, installing chargers without reviewing energy levels and site demand could affect operations. As Fuuse identified, adding EV charging can strain local power supply without adequate planning. These problems can be avoided with energy monitoring, management and auditing systems. 

Inefficient energy use

According to Fuuse sister company, Envisij, businesses waste up to 30% of purchased energy, costing the UK over £30 billion annually. Inefficient energy use is caused by: 

• Lack of preparation before charging installations.
• Lack of energy monitoring and management.
• Inefficiently running operational equipment.
• Leaving appliances or lights switched on.
• Excessive use of operational equipment.
• Purchasing too much energy.

Manually addressing many of these issues before chargers are installed is impractical, but intuitive energy solutions exist to support the process and meet ESG targets, such as energy auditing. Businesses should consistently monitor and analyse their energy consumption – it’s essential for tracking energy problems and planning for future site demands, such as EV charging. 

Dynamic load balancing (DLB) is also vital to ensure grid stress is minimised on operational sites, such as fleet depots and public charging hubs, where downtime is costly. By intelligently distributing energy during vehicle charging, DLB protects the site’s breaker and prevents overloading, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations.

IoT auditing devices

With clever energy management solutions, such as DLB, monitoring platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the data businesses need ahead of charger installation is at their fingertips. IoT auditing devices enable a seamless exchange of energy-monitoring data between hardware and software. It removes the guesswork, enabling businesses to make strategic operational and energy management decisions.

According to Envisij, simply relying on half-hourly data isn’t enough, especially as it doesn’t supply load, amp or voltage data to understand site capacity, which is vital before larger electrical installations. Instead, IoT devices offer insights around kVa capacity, enabling businesses to understand the impact of: 

• Installing EV chargers.
• New installations (design and cost).
• Additional plant or equipment on a site’s energy capacity.
• Negotiations with local distribution network operators (DNOs).
• Building changes (eg. extensions) on electrical infrastructure.

Achieving ESG targets

For electrical contractors, IoT devices offer valuable, mobile tools for providing clients with informed advice on EV charging and infrastructure upgrades. Businesses can use energy monitoring platforms and benefit from dynamic load balancing after a site audit to manage energy.

Optimising energy usage, particularly with EV chargers, is essential for achieving ESG targets. Dynamic load balancing minimises power disruptions during charging, saving businesses money. IoT devices and other energy management tools provide further insights into site capacity and identify areas for improvement, futureproofing both EV charging operations and a site’s energy capacity, ensuring long-term cost savings. 

Visit Fuuse here

This article appeared in Electrotechnical News Mar/Apr 2025 edition – read it here