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What Affects the Timeline
The biggest variable is your existing electrical supply. If your site has enough capacity for the chargers you need, the DNO process is straightforward. A simple notification takes around 2 weeks. If you need a new supply or significant upgrades, the DNO application can take 6 to 12 weeks on its own.
Groundworks also add time. Cable trenching through tarmac or concrete takes longer than running cables through existing ducts. Sites with long cable runs or multiple parking areas need more civil works.
Planning permission is rarely needed since the 2025 permitted development changes. But if your site is in a conservation area or involves a listed building, the planning process can add 8 to 12 weeks.
Typical Project Phases
A standard public charging project follows these stages.
Site survey and design takes 1 to 2 weeks. Our team assesses your electrical supply, parking layout, and visitor patterns. You receive a detailed proposal with charger placement, infrastructure design, and project timeline.
DNO application and approvals takes 2 to 8 weeks depending on whether you need a new connection or an upgrade. Simple notifications clear in around 2 weeks. New supplies or capacity upgrades take longer. We manage the entire DNO process.
Groundworks and electrical installation takes 2 to 4 weeks for most sites. This covers trenching, ducting, cable installation, distribution board upgrades, and charger mounting. We coordinate around your opening hours to minimise disruption to visitors and operations.
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Testing and commissioning takes 2 to 3 days. Every circuit is tested and certified. Chargers are connected to the management platform, payment systems are activated, and the site goes live.
How to Speed Things Up
Start the site survey early. The sooner we assess your electrical capacity, the sooner we can submit the DNO application. That is usually the longest part of the process.
Sites with existing spare capacity and straightforward cable routes move fastest. If your site has adequate power and surface level parking, installation can be completed well within 8 weeks.
