Allstar and Openreach build a broader charging mix for one of the UK’s largest electric fleets

Openreach's move to combine home, public and commercial charging for its engineers shows how fleet electrification is maturing in the UK. With more than 7,000 electric vehicles in a fleet of over 22,000, Openreach is well past the pilot stage, and the remaining vehicles suggest there is still a long road ahead. For electricians, the important point is that a mixed charging strategy creates demand across very different types of installation. Home charging for engineers who take vans home means domestic chargepoint installs. These often involve assessing whether an existing supply can take the additional load, notifying the distribution network operator, and handling earthing arrangements carefully. Depot and commercial charging calls for larger three-phase installations, load management systems and coordination with site infrastructure. Large operators like this tend to need dependable contractors who can work across all of these settings to a consistent standard. For qualified electricians wanting to move into this area, the technical foundations matter. EV charging installations are covered by Section 722 of BS 7671, and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation gives further guidance on design, earthing and protection, particularly where PME supplies are involved. A current understanding of the wiring regulations is essential, and a dedicated EV charging qualification shows that an installer understands the specific risks and requirements. Installers should also know the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, which require smart functionality on most home and workplace chargers. Those working on commercial and depot projects will benefit from training on larger installations, where load balancing, multiple charging units and integration with existing distribution systems become central to the design. For trainees, this kind of news shows how qualifications build on each other over a career. A solid grounding in electrical installation at Levels 2 and 3, followed by an NVQ to reach fully qualified status, is the route into specialist areas such as EV charging. As fleets continue to electrify, chargepoints installed now will also need periodic inspection, testing and maintenance, so inspection and testing skills are likely to stay valuable. Fleet electrification on this scale is a useful sign of where steady, long-term work is likely to come from in the years ahead.