Introduction: The Take Charge project will specify, design, test and trial a brand new standardised package solution for delivering large capacity to Motorway Service Areas (MSAs) to facilitate large scale rapid EV charging at these locations. The solution will achieve this in a far more cost and time effective manner when compared with the traditional solution.

Objectives: The project objectives are as follows:

• Determine the optimal capacity for the new solution
• Select an appropriate site to install the new solution
• Produce a standardised design for large capacity, compact substations at MSAs
• Manufacture, install and energise the new solution at the trial site
• Measure and demonstrate the effectiveness of the new solution on the live network
• Analyse the findings from the trial and collate results that can be shared and disseminated across the industry
• Minimise disruption to Moto’s business operation during the trials

Expected Benefits: The project will develop a highly innovative standardised, pre-constructed and pre-packaged “one size fits all” 33/11kV substation solution that will deliver large scale, high power rapid EV charging at MSAs, to cater for the projected levels of demand at these locations from widespread EV uptake. It will do this with little disruption to the customer due to minimal on-site testing and commissioning activities. It will be a “plug-and-play” device. After the unit has been developed and trialled it will be able to be quickly rolled-out, installed and connected at any MSA location in GB, representing a significant innovation in EV charging capability.