Description
Project: Starbucks Crieff – Rapid EV Charging Infrastructure
Location: Crieff, Scotland
Network Operator: SSE
Asset Adopter: Last Mile Asset Management (IDNO)
Overview
Delivery of a new 200 kVA LV connection to power a 160 kW rapid electric vehicle (EV) charger at a high-footfall Starbucks retail location in Crieff. The project was commissioned to meet growing consumer demand for ultra-fast charging on the Scottish road network. Working in strict coordination with SSE (Distribution Network Operator) and Last Mile Asset Management (Independent Distribution Network Operator), we designed and installed a fully compliant, adoptable infrastructure asset designed for immediate operational deployment and long-term scalability.
Scope of Works
Scope of Works
LV Network Feasibility: Capacity analysis and headroom validation on SSE’s existing LV cable network to confirm viability of the 240 kVA load.
Full LV Electrical Design: Production of schematic diagrams, protection coordination studies, and metering configurations in accordance with SSE’s Distribution Code.
Civil Infrastructure Package: End-to-end design and installation of charger foundations, heavy-duty ducting, and below-ground cable containment systems.
Cable Route Engineering: Planned and executed the LV cable route from the SSE point of supply to the EV feeder pillar, mitigating third-party utility clashes.
Cut-out Termination: Safe, certified LV termination into the bespoke EV feeder pillar, ensuring IP-rated weatherproofing and accessibility for maintenance.
Testing & Commissioning: Comprehensive insulation resistance, polarity, and loop impedance testing, followed by live load-bank validation to verify charger performance under peak demand.
Technical Highlights
System Coordination: Integrated seamlessly with SSE’s existing LV network; designed to maintain voltage drop threshold at full load (160 kW) to ensure charger efficiency.
Asset Adoption Compliance: Engineered strictly to Last Mile Asset Management’s IDNO adoption process, covering material specifications, earthing arrangements, and as-built documentation for seamless transfer of ownership.
Civil Durability: Specified reinforced concrete plinths and high-impact ducting to withstand heavy vehicle manoeuvring and Scottish weather extremes, minimising future maintenance interventions.
Future-Proofing: Infrastructure designed with the potential for dynamic load management or increased capacity without significant civils rework.
Outcome
The project successfully delivered a fully operational, high-capacity rapid charging hub for Starbucks and their customers, supported by a robust, adoptable LV asset.
Business Impact: Enables the site to attract EV-driving customers, increasing dwell time and average transaction value through rapid charging sessions.
Operational Reliability: Infrastructure tested and commissioned to SSE and IDNO standards, ensuring >99.5% availability for the EV charger with minimal reactive maintenance requirements.
Asset Value: Provided Last Mile Asset Management with a turnkey, compliant IDNO asset, complete with full O&M manuals and CAD as-builts, ready for long-term regulatory audit.
Sustainability: Directly supports Scotland’s commitment to phasing out new petrol/diesel cars by 2030, providing essential grid infrastructure to enable the EV transition in rural regions.