A feasibility study is an early-stage assessment that determines whether an EV charging project (or wider electrification program) is technically possible, financially viable, and operationally practical. It identifies constraints, costs, risks, and timelines before major design, procurement, or construction begins.
What Is a Feasibility Study?
A feasibility study turns an initial idea—“we need EV charging here”—into a decision-ready plan.
– Defines goals and scope (public, workplace, fleet depot, residential)
– Estimates demand and required charging capacity (kWh/day, peak kW)
– Assesses site constraints (grid capacity, parking layout, civil works, connectivity)
– Compares solution options (AC vs DC mix, load management, phased rollout)
– Produces cost, timeline, and risk estimates to support a go/no-go decision
For multi-site rollouts, feasibility studies are often repeated as a standardized template per location.
Why a Feasibility Study Matters for EV Charging
– Prevents costly design changes and rework caused by overlooked constraints
– Reduces project delays by identifying grid and permitting lead times early
– Improves ROI accuracy by modeling utilization ramp and operating costs
– Aligns stakeholders (facilities, IT, finance, operations, landlords, utilities)
– Helps select the right charger types, metering approach, and operating model
– Creates a baseline for tender specifications and vendor comparisons
Typical Sections in an EV Charging Feasibility Study
Demand and Use Case Assessment
– Who will use charging: tenants, employees, visitors, fleet vehicles
– Dwell time assumptions and charging behavior patterns
– Forecast: number of EVs served, sessions/day, kWh/day and kWh/month
– Growth scenarios (low/base/high adoption) and expansion triggers
Site and Electrical Assessment
– Existing grid connection and available import capacity
– Distribution board and switchboard capacity, spare ways, feeder routes
– Earthing and bonding readiness, protection device strategy
– Short-circuit/fault level considerations for equipment selection (site-dependent)
– Metering and billing boundary definition (kWh billing vs cost allocation)
Civil Works and Parking Layout
– Bay layout, accessibility, traffic flow, and safe cable routing
– Foundation and mounting approach (wall/pedestal)
– Ducting/conduit routes, surface types, drainage
– Protection against impact (bollards, wheel stops) and vandalism risk
Connectivity and Backend Integration
– Ethernet vs cellular feasibility, signal quality and network policies
– CPMS requirements: user groups, tariffs, reporting, roaming (if needed)
– Payment approach: app/RFID, ad-hoc, fleet invoicing
– Cybersecurity and access control requirements
Solution Options and Recommendations
– Charger mix: AC vs DC, socket vs tethered, power levels
– Load management approach: static cap vs dynamic load balancing
– Phasing strategy: install a few now vs EV-ready backbone for many bays
– Operating model: owner-operated, outsourced CPO, or hybrid
Financial Model
– CAPEX: hardware, installation, civil works, switchboards, grid upgrades
– OPEX: maintenance, CPMS fees, connectivity, support, inspections
– Revenue or cost recovery options: pricing, tenant billing, revenue share
– ROI outputs: payback, IRR, cost per kWh delivered, utilization sensitivity
– Risk and contingency allowances for unknowns
Risk Register and Timeline
– Grid upgrade lead times and approval steps
– Permitting and landlord/tenant stakeholder dependencies
– Construction risks and site access constraints
– Operational risks: uptime, support capacity, bay misuse
– Delivery plan with milestones: design, procurement, install, commissioning, go-live
Key Outputs of a Feasibility Study
– Recommended solution architecture and phased rollout plan
– Power and capacity plan (today + future expansion)
– Preliminary site layout and cable routing concept
– High-level single-line diagram concept and equipment list
– Budget estimate with assumptions and sensitivity analysis
– Timeline estimate with critical path items (grid, permits, long-lead equipment)
– Decision points and next steps (detailed design, tender, pilot)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Assuming grid capacity is available without utility confirmation
– Ignoring utilization ramp and basing ROI on “full usage from day one”
– Underestimating civil works complexity in existing car parks
– Not defining metering boundary and billing approach early
– Treating feasibility as only technical, without operational support planning
– Skipping growth planning and leaving no pathway for expansion
Limitations to Consider
– Early-stage studies rely on assumptions; results improve with measured data and site surveys
– Costs can change based on utility requirements, permitting, and procurement timing
– Regulations may affect payments, metering, and accessibility requirements by market
– For multi-site programs, local constraints can require deviations from standard templates
Related Glossary Terms
Electrical Site Survey
EV Charging Deployment
EV Infrastructure Roadmap
EV Infrastructure Rollout
Load Management
Dynamic Load Balancing
CAPEX
OPEX