14/02/2025
Energy lawyers from Bevan Brittan have supported the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) on its launch of a new scheme to simplify the procurement of electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI) for local authorities.
It aims to significantly reduce the resource and cost burden on procurement teams, and to improve efficiencies in the deployment of public charging projects.
Local authorities will now have access to customisable template documents for on-street EVI services, as well as draft terms and conditions for a contract for these services.
These templates can then be tailored by local authorities to create their own unique set of tender documents, ensuring each procurement meets specific local needs and provides the best fit for each authority area.
The initiative is the result of a cross-government collaboration between CCS and the Department for Transport (DfT), as well as the Support Body for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund comprising Cenex, the Energy Saving Trust and PA Consulting.
Rupert Lugg, Energy Partner who led the Bevan Brittan team said:
“There is currently limited standardisation of contract/tender documentation in the market for authority led EV projects. This can create inefficiencies for local authorities but also the charge point operators as they need to review and enter into a range of contracts. The EV toolkit, provides customisable templates to streamline to procurement process.
“Our involvement in this initiative demonstrates the presence of our EV team at the very heart of the growing EV public charge point market. We are fully aware of the need of the market to have greater consistency of commercial approach and are therefore are extremely pleased to have supported on a template suite of documents that will seek to address this.”
Philip Orumwense, Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology at Crown Commercial Service, said:
“This initiative exemplifies our dedication to providing local authorities with the tools and commercial solutions they need to efficiently and effectively procure EV charging infrastructure.
“By offering this service, we are reducing burdens on local government whilst supporting access to sustainable transport solutions across a rapidly growing supplier base.”
Nick Harvey, Senior Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust, added:
“Since the LEVI Fund’s inception, the LEVI Support Body has developed products, resources and services that assist local authorities in navigating the complexities of EV charging infrastructure procurement and deployment.
“This suite of procurement templates and guidance documents, authored by the LEVI Support Body, is another example of our commitment to creating effective and user-friendly support.”
The regulations governing these contracts will change on 24 February 2025 when the Procurement Act 2023 takes effect, and any procurements started on or after this date will be subject to those new regulations. Different documentation has been created to account for contracts created under each set of regulations.
To discuss any elements of the documentation or for support in developing the contracts to meet your project needs, please contact Rupert Lugg or any member of our EV team.
For more information on the new CCS scheme, please click here.
