The challenge

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council saw an opportunity to revitalise its town centres by installing rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across its valleys.

By increasing access to fast, reliable charging, the council sought to boost town centre footfall while promoting sustainable transport options.

However, identifying the most suitable locations required careful consideration of regional geography, power availability, and user demand.

To maximise impact, the council needed a prioritised shortlist of the three most appropriate sites, supported by a robust evidence base to strengthen their application for the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Transformation Fund.

Why it’s important

Enhancing EV charging infrastructure is essential for meeting Wales’ net-zero ambitions and supporting local businesses.

The region’s unique topography, diverse site types, and varying user needs meant that a well-planned rollout was critical.

The project aimed to ensure a balanced portfolio of sites, providing equitable coverage across the valleys while addressing political, economic, and technical considerations.

By making charging more accessible, the council could encourage EV adoption, reduce transport emissions, and future-proof local infrastructure investments.

Our solution

Urban Foresight delivered a structured, multi-tiered feasibility study to assess the suitability of 12 council-identified short-stay sites for rapid EV charging. Our methodology combined demographic and technical analysis to generate a data-driven prioritisation of locations.

1. Discover & Design – Mapped the Rhondda Cynon Taf region to establish a baseline understanding of transport patterns, infrastructure constraints, and strategic priorities. Conducted stakeholder engagement to align recommendations with political and community needs.
2. Deliver – Evaluated the suitability of each site based on geographic, demographic, and technical factors, including power supply requirements. Assessed user behaviour, dwell times, and demand variations to ensure each selected site met real-world charging needs.
3. Sustain – Developed a ranked shortlist of three optimal locations for rapid charging installation. Provided detailed site assessments to support the council’s ULEV Transformation Fund application, creating a strong evidence base for securing funding and future implementation.

The impact

• Established a strategic framework for deploying EV charging across Rhondda Cynon Taf’s valleys.
• Identified three priority sites with the greatest potential to increase town centre footfall and support sustainable transport.
• Ensured a balanced distribution of charging infrastructure, catering to diverse user needs and dwell times.
• Provided a data-driven approach to futureproof investment in EV infrastructure and support funding applications.

How Urban Foresight can help you

Urban Foresight specialises in developing smart, sustainable mobility solutions that align with local priorities and national policy objectives.

Our expertise in feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and funding strategy helps councils and businesses accelerate the transition to low-carbon transport.

If you need support in identifying optimal EV charging locations, securing funding, or planning future-proof infrastructure, we can help. Get in touch at hello@urbanforesight.com to learn more about our services.