From Power to Pavement: Enabling Smarter EV Feeder Pillar Solutions with Lucy Zodion

Published 20 May 2025

Special thanks to Matt Page EV Business Development Manager at Lucy Zodion for the kind permission to republish.

BEYOND SPEED: FUTURE PROOFING EV INFRASTRUCTURE

As a trusted distributor of Lucy Zodion EV Feeder Pillars, Thorne & Derrick are proud to support the delivery of safe, robust, and future-ready power distribution solutions for electric vehicle charging networks.

In the article below featured in EV & Renewables Supplement, Matt Page, EV expert at Lucy Zodion, explores the critical factors beyond deployment speed that define a successful EV infrastructure rollout.

Lucy Zodion manufacture a wide range of products suitable to provide Low Voltage Electrical Power Distribution for EV charge points – from distribution network operator (DNO) accredited cut-outs and isolators for on-street chargers, to feeder pillars for electrical vehicle charging.

Lucy Zodion’s EVIS (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Solutions) range delivers pre-wired EV feeder pillars from 100A to 630A reducing time on site and streamlining installation.

Beyond Speed: How to Future-Proof Your Infrastructure

Discover how strategic planning, scalability, and long-term resilience are key to building a charging network that’s ready for tomorrow.

Conversations around EV infrastructure often focus on speed – how quickly can a charging station be deployed, and how fast it can charge a vehicle. While speed is important, it’s not the only factor that determines success. True future-proofing means designing charging infrastructure that is resilient, scalable and adaptable to changing demands and evolving technology.

Building for growth, not just now

Many charging hubs installed today will need to evolve as EV adoption increases. The latest figures from Zapmap show there are now over 75,000 public charge points in the UK our demand is expected to grow significantly and infrastructure that isn’t designed with scalability in mind will quickly become obsolete.

For example, at InstaVolt’s Camphill Village Trust charging site, the approach to power distribution was designed with long-term scalability in mind. The specialised our Main Supply Pillars powering the site’s 160kW chargers were built to support future expansion while maintaining a minimal footprint. Taking this kind of forward-looking approach can prevent costly redesign later on

Similarly, the Isle of Man’s phased EV rollout demonstrates how strategic planning can ensure charging infrastructure is deployed with future expansion in mind. A well-planned approach to power distribution means sites can scale up as EV adoption increases without requiring extensive retrofits.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Solutions

Resilience is key

Reliability is just as critical as speed. A charging hub that experiences frequent outages due to inadequate electrical protection or environmental wear will create frustration for drivers and site owners alike. Key resilience-focused features to consider include:

Earth leakage protection and residual current protection to ensure long-term electrical safety
Surge protection to guard against power fluctuations
Anti-condensation heaters and service lighting to protect internal components and improve maintenance access.

Integrating these features from the outset can help prevent operational disruptions, enhancing user confidence and reducing long-term costs.

The M7 Real Estate project delivered by Source EV – a joint venture between SSE Energy Solutions and Total Energy – highlights the benefits of durable, weather-resistant power distribution. In high-usage environments, ensuring electrical protection and ease or maintenance is crucial for long-term success.

Collaboration matters

Future-proofing isn’t just about the technology – it’s about the process. The most effective EV infrastructure projects take a holistic, end-to-end approach, Considering electrical distribution, space constraints and future adaptability from the start.

A strong example of this is the InstaVolt project, where power distribution was designed to allow flexibility for future transformer manufacturers equipment. Taking a collaborative approach with stakeholders ensures infrastructure remains adaptable to evolving industry requirements.

The road ahead

The shift to electric mobility is accelerating and infrastructure needs to keep up – not just with speed, but with smart, future-proofed design. Viewing EV infrastructure as an evolving system rather than a one-off installation can help ensure today’s investments continue to deliver value well into the future.

Incorporating scalable electrical systems, built-in resilience and cross-industry collaboration from the outset can help create charging networks that remain effective as demand and technology evolve. By planning with the long term in mind, we can ensure EV charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand, rather than struggling to catch up.

Compliance and standards

When specifying an EV feeder pillar, you need to make sure it is tested to the following standards:

BS7671- IET Wiring Regulations – Covers the electrical installation of buildings, including the use of surge protection
BS7671- IET Code of Practice for Electric Charging
BS EN 61439 – Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Gear Assembly

Considering these key points will ensure that your EV feeder pillar is designed to deliver efficient and reliable power distribution for electric vehicle charging, contributing to a sustainable and greener future.