EV charging installations: what UK contractors must get right for Net Zero 
 

Net Zero is the goal.  

The UK government has made a commitment to reaching it, but it’s electrical contractors who will turn it into reality. With the ban on new petrol and diesel cars set for 2030, demand for electric vehicles is surging and so is the need for reliable charging infrastructure. 

Delivering this transformation depends on a rapid rollout of charge points across homes, businesses, and public spaces. For contractors, the opportunity is significant. Demand for EV installations is rising quickly, while stricter compliance rules and tougher inspections mean the stakes are higher than ever. With over £1 billion in government investment through initiatives like the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, contractors are now at the centre of the UK’s clean energy transition. 

This blog dives into the risks and opportunities electrical contractors will face in the months ahead. 

The scale of change in the energy landscape 

The scale of the UK’s energy transition cannot be overstated. National Grid ESO projects that electricity demand will rise by 65% by 2035, driven by the electrification of transport, heating, and industry. Meeting this surge will require more than 5,500 km of new transmission lines, and a near tripling of renewable generation capacity. 

This transformation will also demand smarter systems. Ofgem has stressed the importance of smart charging and grid flexibility to manage millions of new EVs without overwhelming supply. Globally, the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2024 shows EV adoption accelerating faster than predicted, confirming that the UK’s targets are part of a worldwide shift, rather than a local experiment. 

Progress is already visible. London successfully hit its goal of 300 rapid EV charging points before 2021, showing that large-scale deployment can be achieved when policy and industry align. 

For contractors, these changes mean more than statistics. They signal a wave of projects, from domestic installations, to commercial hubs, fleet depots, and renewable integrations, all requiring skilled hands to deliver. 

New demands on contractors 

A nationwide target of 300,000 public charging points by 2030 has been set. This unprecedented demand for new infrastructure represents a tenfold increase on today’s numbers. The rollout will cover everything from on-street residential chargers to large-scale workplace hubs and fleet depots, each requiring skilled installation and maintenance. 

Beyond EV charging, the expansion of solar PV and battery storage is creating further opportunities for contractors across domestic, commercial, and industrial sites. These technologies are being woven into smart energy systems, where monitoring, optimisation, and digital compliance are essential. 

As the Electrical Contractors’ Association highlights, successful workforces will be is trained, certified, and ready to manage increasingly complex installations. Contractors are essential to delivering the safe and compliant infrastructure the UK now demands. 

The growing risk profile 

The boom in EV installations also presents a surge in risk. Larger projects, tighter deadlines, and stricter expectations mean contractors are working under more pressure than ever before. 

The Health and Safety Executive warns that EV systems expose workers to high-voltage electrics and battery hazards, which demand specialist training and strict procedures. An increase in the skills required to carry out this work has been matched with tougher inspections and rising standards, only compounding pressure on an already stretched industry. 

Compliance adds another layer of complexity. It is no longer enough to finish the job. Contractors must be able to prove that every installation meets the right standard. That means staying aligned with Section 722 of BS 7671 (2018, Amendment 2), which covers EV charging requirements including earthing provisions under Regulation 722.411.4.1, along with certification through schemes such as NICEIC or OZEV’s authorised installer programme. 

For contractors, the message is clear. Safety and compliance must come first. Those who get it right avoid fines, delays, and reputational damage, and put themselves in the best position to win repeat work. 

Adapting to the new reality 

Success in this evolving market demands contractors who can adapt. That means building the skills, systems, and partnerships needed to deliver at scale without sacrificing safety or compliance. 

Key areas of adaptation include: 

• Technology: Ofgem has highlighted the need for a smarter, more flexible grid. Contractors who adopt digital tools for scheduling, record-keeping, and compliance tracking will be better placed to meet those expectations. 

• Training and certification: The Electrical Contractors’ Association has called out the urgent need for new skills in EV and smart systems, while schemes through NICEIC give contractors the credentials that clients and regulators demand. EV-specific training is quickly moving from optional to essential. 

• Collaboration: The government’s EV Infrastructure Strategy emphasises collaboration between local authorities and industry. Many contractors will find that partnerships, consortiums, and subcontractors are the only way to deliver larger projects at speed. 

• Smarter workflows: The firms that stand out will be those who combine efficiency with safety, delivering work that is consistent, compliant, and ready to scale. 

Contractors who invest early in these areas will be best placed to grow with demand and secure their place in the UK’s clean energy future. 

Charging ahead with confidence

The UK’s Net Zero targets are a cornerstone of government policy, investment, and regulation, and they will reshape the energy landscape over the next decade. For contractors, the choice is clear: adapt to the shifting market or miss out on business-changing opportunities. 

Those who invest in skills, adopt smarter tools, and put safety and compliance first will be best placed to thrive in this once-in-a-generation growth phase. The opportunities are huge, but so are the expectations. 

Joblogic gives contractors the digital tools to meet those expectations. From scheduling and compliance tracking to real-time reporting and mobile workforce management, it helps you deliver safe, compliant, and efficient service at scale. 

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