All 22 local authorities in Wales have been granted free access to ChargePoint Navigator, a digital planning tool designed to support the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, marking the first nationwide deployment of the platform outside England.
The tool was developed through a collaboration between Field Dynamics, Cenex, Zap-Map and UK Power Networks. It provides local authorities with a comprehensive data dashboard covering factors such as grid capacity, cabling infrastructure, pavement dimensions, off-street parking availability and projected charging demand.
ChargePoint Navigator is designed to streamline the planning process for EV infrastructure, from identifying optimal sites to estimating connection costs. While the platform has already been used by 133 councils—primarily in London and the South East of England—its rollout in Wales represents the first time it has been made available nationwide on a free basis outside England.
The initiative is being led by Transport for Wales, which said the tool will provide “a common evidence base” for all councils, enabling more consistent and transparent investment decisions aligned with national transport strategies.
Describing the rollout as a key milestone in the country’s EV strategy, Transport for Wales said the platform would support a more coordinated and data-led approach to infrastructure deployment.
“As Wales’ EV charging network matures, our focus is shifting from simply increasing charger numbers to ensuring provision is fair, strategic and meets the needs of communities across the country,” said Tony Clayton, EV Infrastructure Programme Manager at Transport for Wales. “ChargePoint Navigator supports this by bringing consistent data and shared expertise into one place, helping us raise standards and ensuring EV infrastructure contributes fully to our wider transport and decarbonisation ambitions.”
Industry stakeholders highlighted the importance of equipping local authorities with robust planning tools as EV adoption accelerates.
“Local Authorities play a critical role in shaping how EV charging infrastructure is delivered on the ground. It’s vital they have the right data and tools at their fingertips to make informed decisions and to actively shape outcomes,” said Craig Stephenson, Managing Director of Field Dynamics.