How purpose shapes engineering in EV charging

Robert Nash of Petalite discusses how, as pressure to scale increases in the EV charging sector, a critical responsibility has been highlighted for engineers: to design with purpose, not just speed.

The world is moving quickly towards electrified mobility. In the UK, a target of reaching 300,000 public electric vehicle charge points by 2030 has been stated by the government to accommodate increasing EV uptake.

With 84,218 charge points installed, installing nearly another 220,000 is a significant infrastructure rollout, but one that is critical to giving drivers the confidence to make the switch to EVs.

As the pressure to scale EV infrastructure at speed intensifies, this momentum brings a critical responsibility for engineers: to design with purpose, not just speed.

Engineering values in any sector should be based on two things: a fundamental understanding of the underlying laws of physics, and the ability to make the right decision at the right time to achieve the best result.

Engineers are innovators by nature who want to push the boundaries of what is possible and create a positive legacy. Ultimately, as an engineer, we want to leave at the end of the day more capable than we were in the morning.

The EV industry is a hub of pioneering ideas and technology, which attracts top engineering talent. Due to their skills these individuals could work anywhere they want to, but they are choosing this sector because they’re passionate about innovating something new and historically significant.

Engineering ethos in EV industry

For engineers in the EV charging space, our values and purpose can be summarised in three main points: no harm to person; no harm to planet; and no harm to facility.

As members of the human race, we have a responsibility not to detract or erode the environmental safety of our planet.

A key motivation in the sector is the desire to leave the planet in a better position than we found it. We remain highly focused on what we absolutely need to do to make the progress required to be in a better place tomorrow, and we never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Purpose before profit

Ultimately, profit is the natural outcome of doing the job well. In focusing on designing a product that is truly best in class, demand will follow, and so will revenue. But when financial gain becomes the primary goal, the quality of the work can suffer. To build something meaningful and enduring, purpose must come before profit.

As part of this purpose, sustainability must be seen at all stages of the development and production processes, including suppliers, the supply chain, the application, and the long-term future.

For example, when sourcing parts and materials, it is important to place a strong emphasis on minimising carbon footprint, prioritising components manufactured in the UK or sourced locally to reduce CO2 miles.

Rather than choosing the cheapest option, manufacturers and engineers must consider the cost to the environment, including the emissions generated through production and transportation. Designing for longevity is key to EV charging engineering, and we take this into account when sourcing components.

Sustainability and recyclability must be central to decision-making, and components should be managed with care to maximise lifespans and reduce waste.

The thought behind these processes is meaningful, as engineers in the sector are not just working on a project, they are on a journey to creating a greener, brighter future.

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Advancing innovation

Maintaining safety and compliance remains key, even in a rapidly evolving industry at the forefront of technological innovation.

As engineers, safety is in our blood, so from the very first top-level design discussion, we are looking at the safety of the system right down to the implementation.

Compliance is crucial. It represents established, best practice engineering solutions that have been validated over time. But while compliance provides a solid foundation, it can also limit technological innovation.

So, we face a choice: either adhere to best practices or rigorously demonstrate how new approaches can redefine them for the better.

To ensure innovation within these parameters, it is essential to draw on diverse perspectives in our organisations to make sure that thinking remains fresh and people are challenging each other to work towards the best possible outcome.

Occasionally people will fail but when we fail, we learn, and teams must continue to support one another and push each other as we search for solutions. At Petalite we do not encourage failure but embrace when it occurs as an opportunity to learn.

Time is the one thing you cannot buy. Therefore, experience cannot be bought and must be earned. For engineers, this means consistently showing up, committing fully, and demonstrating dedication through action and growth.

At Petalite, we are trying to change the world and have a positive impact on the future, so our expectations are high – because if they were not, it would not do our talent justice.

The future of UK engineering

There is an urgent need for the government to prioritise investment and opportunities for engineers and engineering companies in the UK. Investment in the engineers of the future must start at a very young age, as sometimes, by the time students reach secondary school, it’s already too late if that passion hasn't yet been sparked.

The next crucial step is for both government and industry to recognise the need for increased funding and improved access to capital within the UK. Currently, much of the investment and strategic interest in this space comes from overseas.

The question we must ask is this: do we want UK engineers to lead in solving these challenges, or are we comfortable relying on other countries? Accelerating development now means delivering homegrown solutions that serve both our customers and our national interests.

As a nation we should be determined to remain at the forefront of world-class technology innovation, developing homegrown talent united by a purpose driven ethos and committed to the development of solutions that will play a vital role in bettering our planet.

About the author:

Robert Nash is chief technology officer of EV charging engineering company Petalite.