The EV industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace and navigating this rapidly changing landscape requires more than ambition; it demands expertise, partnership, and long-term thinking. Darren North, National Sales Manager for Rolec, looks at how EV Infrastructure is reshaping wholesale demand.

No longer a future-facing trend in the UK, electric vehicle adoption is now a day-to-day reality shaping specification decisions, stock profiles, and conversations at the trade counter.

For electrical wholesalers, EV charging has evolved from a niche category into a core part of electrical distribution, driven by installation demand across residential, commercial, and fleet environments.

As demand increases, so too does complexity. Charging speeds, site requirements, and system interoperability are key technical factors determining what gets specified, supplied, and installed.

For wholesalers, this shift is creating both opportunity and responsibility: the opportunity to grow margin-rich categories, and the responsibility to support installers with accurate, practical guidance.

For Rolec, an emphasis on collaboration and capability-building reflects the company’s long-term view of industry growth built on competence, consistency, and confidence.

Home or commercial use EV charging

When selecting an EV charger, there is no universal solution. Requirements differ significantly between domestic, workplace, fleet, and public charging environments, meaning wholesalers increasingly need to understand not just the products, but the applications they are designed for.

For home charging customers, price sensitivity remains a major consideration. Installers and end users are often looking for cost-effective solutions that combine compact, aesthetically pleasing units with dependable performance. Reflecting these priorities, Rolec’s EVO, ZURA, and BasicCharge ranges are designed to provide accessible home charging solutions that balance functionality, ease of installation, and affordability.

Commercial charging introduces a wider set of considerations, many of which directly influence installation complexity and long-term operational efficiency.

Location

Different charging environments require different hardware solutions. Workplace, public, residential, and fleet applications all present distinct operational demands. For example, exposed or high-traffic environments often require more robust infrastructure offering durability and vandal resistance.

Outlet options

Commercial sites are increasingly looking to maximise charging availability while minimising infrastructure costs. Dual and quad outlet units can help reduce groundwork, cabling, and installation time while increasing the number of charging outlets available on site. Multi-outlet solutions such as Rolec’s HEX charger are helping operators maximise charging availability from a single installation footprint.

Connectivity challenges

Reliable connectivity is essential for monitoring, billing, and access control. However, this can become challenging in underground car parks or remote locations where signal strength may be limited. To address this, Rolec’s charging solutions offer multiple connectivity options, including 4G, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, ensuring chargers remain online 24/7.

Charging speeds

Charging speeds range from 7.4kW AC fast charging to ultra-rapid DC solutions up to 650kW, depending on application and site requirements. In commercial and fleet environments, operational efficiency is critical, with vehicle downtime, turnaround times, and site utilisation all key considerations.

Data management

The ability to extract and analyse data is becoming increasingly important for commercial operators. Access to detailed reporting, including energy consumption per vehicle, enables a clearer understanding of operational costs and fleet efficiency and chargepoint utilisation.

Innovation in EV infrastructure

Alongside growing demand, EV charging technology is evolving rapidly. The most significant innovations are not only about faster charging speeds, but also about smarter systems and energy management.

Load management

Load management has moved from an optional feature to a standard requirement. Dynamic load balancing is now frequently used to prevent overloading supply infrastructure, particularly in multi-charger set-ups. These systems allow several chargepoints to operate within available capacity by intelligently distributing power across a site.

Interoperability

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) has become increasingly important in preventing vendor lock-in. Customers are actively seeking flexibility across networks and software platforms, rather than closed ecosystems. Rolec supports this approach with products designed to be natively OCPP compliant. The company currently works with more than 45 chargepoint management system (CPMS) partners worldwide.

Integrated software

The value of EV charging is no longer defined solely by hardware. Back-office platforms play a critical role in monitoring, billing, remote management, and energy optimisation, shifting purchasing decisions towards total system capability rather than unit price alone.

Growth in the wholesale channel

As EV charging continues to evolve, wholesalers are increasingly acting as knowledge hubs as much as stockists. Key priorities across the channel include staff training, installation knowledge, and dedicated manufacturer support for technical and specification queries. As installations become more varied and technically demanding, confidence at the counter is directly influencing orders.

In response, leading manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on knowledge transfer and channel engagement, an approach that sits at the foundation of Rolec’s strategy. This extends beyond product supply, supporting wholesalers and contractors throughout the project, from pre-sales enquiries and specification support through to quotation, onboarding, and handover.

This end-to-end approach reflects a broader industry shift towards collaboration across manufacturers, wholesalers, and installers, where successful delivery depends on technical understanding rather than product supply alone.

Rolec’s support is further reinforced through hands-on training, access to technical resources, and practical guidance on the latest system developments across EV infrastructure projects. With over 35 years of manufacturing experience, Rolec continues to develop its product range with a focus on reliability, flexibility, and ease of deployment across multiple applications.

Built on standards

As the EV charging market evolves, consistency, compliance, and operational discipline are becoming increasingly important to wholesalers and installers alike.

At Rolec, this commitment has been formalised through ISO certification, providing a structured framework across quality management, environmental responsibility, occupational health and safety, and energy management. Importantly, this does not introduce new intent; it strengthens and formalises practices already embedded across the business. It demonstrates that systems, processes, and controls are in place to meet recognised international standards, ensuring responsibility and efficiency are built into every stage of delivery.

For customers, this is more than a certification, it is confidence and consistency.

A category moving into maturity

EV charging is no longer an emerging add-on category for electrical wholesalers; it has become a core part of their renewables and electrification offering.

As charging technology becomes more advanced, the role of the wholesaler is also evolving. Those who adapt fastest to this shift will not only capitalise on growing demand but also help define the delivery of EV infrastructure across the UK.

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Rolec and Connekt are on a joint mission of providing infrastructure to the most underserved sector of the UK electric vehicle charging market – championing EV uptake in the destination charging sector. Sites are falling short of their EV charging potential. Of the nearly 70,000 potential locations for destination charging throughout the UK, less than 1% have committed to installing chargers.

The partnership combines Rolec’s technology with Connekt’s funding, sector expertise, and local presence to best aid in the deployment of charging at locations such as hotels, universities, marinas, leisure sites nationwide. And the work has already begun. So far, the team has installed multiple EV charging networks, with commitments to carry out work on many additional sites in the coming year.

A Scottish-based electric vehicle charging funder, Connekt’s experienced team of on-the-ground staff are actively surveying sites to provide the best advice and guidance to customers introducing EV charging as part of their business. Rolec’s expansive network of installers allows customers access to rapid EV infrastructure deployment and efficient installation and maintenance services combined with knowledgeable staff providing local technical support.

Speaking on the partnership, Johnny Manning, Founder of Connekt, commented: ‘At Connekt, we see a real synergy with Rolec. Over the past three to four years, we’ve been on an incredible journey building the foundations of a leading charge point operator – defined by market-leading support, reliability, and the highest standards. Rolec has been on a parallel journey, and they’ve emerged as one of the true market leaders in the EV charging industry.”

Darren North, National Sales Manager at Rolec, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with such a forward-thinking company to take on a major rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure across the UK. By working closely with the Connekt team, and Connor Charnley, after many years as industry friends, we will be able to bring our combined expertise to a sector with immense potential.”

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With 35 years of expertise in manufacturing, Rolec is a trusted name in the EV, leisure and marina industries. We hear how the company is now taking the next step with a range of research backed solutions that tick all the boxes.

Being the chosen hardware suppliers for big names in the industry since its establishment. Rolec’s product range has always been expansive – and it’s now bigger, better, and bolder than before.

Rolec is passionate about driving the EV industry forward and has been emboldened by conversations with installers, wholesalers and customers who have watched the company grow over the past three decades.

The easiest charger to install

Rolec has built close relationships with its global team of electrical contractors, giving unique insight into customers’ needs and preferences for creating a unit that is more installation-friendly than ever before. EVO features a highly modular design with three key components: a base, a click-in module, and a cover that provides easy access for installers. This practical and efficient design allows for quick, hassle-free installation and configuration in as little as 15 minutes, while the CT clamp’s plug-and-play capability further reduces installation time.

The EVO will always prioritise stable and efficient charging. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard and 3-to-1 phase switching (22kW model only), the unit can adjust its charger output based on the property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting the power supply, for easy charging and peace of mind.

The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge. With three charging modes: CHARGE NOW (Plug & Go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only), EVO offers flexibility to suit any lifestyle.

With the ECO+ smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated at home to charge the electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for cost-free charging. EVO also comes with an extended five-year manufacturer’s warranty.

RolecConnect

RolecConnect is an all-in-one software service designed to help installers work smarter and faster. With all current information on product specifications and configuration in one place, this app is the hub of knowledge for all Rolec products and free to use for all Rolec contractors.

RolecConnect is more than just a knowledge base — the platform captures every single step of the installation process, offering tailored support and guidance at every turn. A wealth of information is just a few clicks away once the business is registered.

The LeadConnect platform utilises each unique installer profile to match installation or maintenance leads in the area. From there, users can manage current projects, conduct EV-tailored site surveys, and generate customer quotations instantly. That means no more hunting around for wholesale prices. The ‘See it Before you Build It’ augmented reality (AR) feature gives installers the power to visualise installations before breaking ground, levelling up site planning tools.

Once the installation is complete, everything needed for successful product configuration is on hand. All the up-to-date information required to streamline installation is within reach, reducing unit set-up time from start to finish to as little as 15 minutes. However, if any issues should arise, get instant answers. From product specific FAQs to technical troubleshooting, all the information is available in RolecConnect. RolecConnect’s in-app AI assistant ‘Zuzu’ has been absorbing all the knowledge from every area of the business to become the ultimate installer sidekick.

The work doesn’t end once the installation is complete and neither do RolecConnect’s in-app features. The SupportConnect platform has been engineered to give full visibility and management of post installation services, helping keep an eye on customer warranty and maintenance plans once the initial project is complete with reminders and notifications.

Installers are encouraged to engage with each other and build their community. The Installer Forum acts as Rolec’s connected community of electrical contractors, giving a unique opportunity to network with fellow professionals and share expertise.

RolecConnect won’t just connect peers online, it also brings installers to in-person training and resources, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve by attending tailor-made training courses curated for professional development.

Valued partners

In today’s fast-moving, volatile market, staying focused and having an exceptional team is more important than ever. Rolec wants to say a huge ‘thank you’ to is valued wholesale and contractor partners, as well as customers, who continue to champion Rolec and whose feedback has been invaluable.

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EVO is the newest member of Rolec’s electric family. Affordable, modern, and compliant, EVO is the first of a new generation of home chargers.

EVO features a highly modular design with three key components: a base, a click-in module, and a cover that provides easy access for installers. This practical and efficient design allows for quick, hassle-free installation and configuration in as little as 15 minutes, while the CT clamp’s plug-and-play capability further reduces installation time.

Available in 7.4kW and 22kW models, it offers an easy-to-use, fully compatible charging solution for all EVs and PHEVs. But, more than that, it is a powerful and compact charger that makes itself at home in any setting. Equipped with a passive cooling system that uses an aluminum heat sink to guarantee a safe maximum charging rate, the EVO has a customisable LED indicator to display clear charging status, providing personalisation and enhanced accessibility.

The EVO will always prioritise stable and efficient charging. Supporting dynamic load balancing as standard and 3-to-1 phase switching, the unit can adjust its charger output based on a property’s available electricity usage, preventing grid overload, optimising energy use, and protecting power supply. With three charging modes: Charge Now (plug and go), ECO (solar + grid), and ECO+ (surplus solar only), EVO offers flexibility to suit any lifestyle.

The introduction of EVO also marks the arrival of a new way to solar charge. With the eco+ smart solar feature, EVO can detect and allocate surplus solar energy generated from the home to charge an electric vehicle, creating an opportunity for zero-cost charging.

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Building on the strength and success of their ongoing partnership, Rolec and Sinexcel have launched the UltraCharge 30, the most compact and affordable 30kW DC rapid charger coming to the market. Purpose-built and designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses, councils, fleets, and destinations.

The UltraCharge 30 is a versatile, future-proof EV charging solution, whether wall or pedestal-mounted, the unit offers up to 30kW power output in a space-efficient design. Delivering up to 10-80% charge in under 1.5 hours. With 96% peak efficiency, it optimises energy use, speeding up charging times and maximising ROI. It’s beneficial for sites looking to integrate a robust and rapid EV infrastructure.

The UltraCharge 30 features the same trusted controller used in the popular UltraCharge 160, ensuring both reliability and performance. Its competitive pricing makes it an accessible option, minimising upfront costs while providing ease of installation.

It combines proven technology with modern advancements to deliver a powerful and cost-effective solution. Compliant with the PAS 1899 accessible charging standard, it’s an ideal solution for destinations where accessibility is essential for serving a diverse customer base.

The UltraCharge 30 features a CCS2 charging connector for fast and reliable compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles. For seamless operation and data management, the unit supports both 4G and Ethernet connectivity methods, ensuring consistent communication and control. Businesses can benefit from bespoke branding and colour options, whether it’s adding a logo or creating a fully custom design.

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In this month’s Face to Face we speak to Frankie Mellon, Managing Director of Rolec, to get the latest on the EV charging market.

Can you tell us a bit about how and when Rolec was established?
Established in 1990 by a founder with a passion for innovation and green technology.While it’s true that electric vehicles weren’t prevalent on the roads at that time, Rolec’s origins weren’t rooted in the EV industry. Instead, we carved out our niche in the leisure sector, establishing ourselves as pioneers in manufacturing outdoor electrical equipment, water, and sanitation utilities tailored for caravan and holiday parks.Soon after, we ventured into the Marina industry, encountering a unique set of challenges that spurred our innovation. It was within this sector that we first experienced the demand for smart services. It didn’t take long for our team to engineer connected hardware solutions that gained traction across marinas globally. Today, we maintain our position as a world leader in marina services and utility products.

As we embarked on our journey of evolution, we introduced our latest division, EV charging, in 2007—which even then was early for the EV industry. When we launched the WallPod in 2007, there were only two other companies in the UK dedicated to EV charging, which might be hard to believe now. Since then, our trajectory has been marked by a solid track record of providing innovative EV charging solutions for domestic, commercial, and public settings.

How can wholesalers get involved with the burgeoning EV charging market?
Rolec is firmly established within the wholesale distribution network, distinguishing ourselves as one of the select few manufacturers who have stayed true to this model since the launch of our EV charging range, and we still find great value in this approach. From initial prospects to final transactions, we channel all enquiries through our trusted network of wholesalers.We have been building relationships with a prestigious portfolio of blue-chip customers with a strong national wholesale network for 15 years, which has grown to include over 3,500 distributors and stockists.Now, we’re actively exploring new ways to provide even more value to our distribution partners. Our commitment extends beyond hardware; we provide specialised industry and product training to equip our partners with the insights and skills they need to excel. While our dedicated wholesale support team and key sales advisors stand ready to assist every step of the way. Choosing to work with Rolec means partnering with a team with decades of combined industry knowledge completely at your disposal.

Will the latest generation of affordable home chargers further accelerate EV take-up in the UK?
The standard features integrated into home chargers today, particularly in terms of software solutions and security measures, have significantly eased the minds of potential EV adopters. The convenience of simply pairing their vehicles with their home chargers, coupled with integration options with their energy providers for optimal charging, better rates, and charge scheduling. It appears that we’ve successfully addressed the queries that were commonly raised two to three years ago.

What are some of the built-in features customers are coming to expect from modern EV charging units?
Built-in features vary between domestic and commercial charging requirements. Many of the additional commercial features required often increase the price and potentially outweigh the benefits for a home charger. Typical features for home charging include Wi-Fi connectivity, charge scheduling, solar integration, and a user-friendly app.Incorporate additional specifications for commercial charging solutions, such as the inclusion of multiple communication methods: Wi-Fi, 4G, and Ethernet connectivity.

With the growing demand for compatibility with various back-office systems, it is essential that the charger offers flexibility in configuration to seamlessly integrate with any platform. Our hardware that we sell to wholesalers is designed to adapt to any software, facilitating smooth onboarding onto the customer’s chosen provider.

We’re witnessing a surge in demand for advanced features beyond the standard offerings, particularly for contactless payment solutions, screen integration, and dynamic load balancing and management—which take into consideration the building’s electrical supply and demand, dynamically adjusting the chargepoints as needed to optimise performance and efficiency.

What are the key considerations when selecting an EV charger to use at home or in a commercial setting?
Home charger customers are a lot more price sensitive, emphasising the need for cost-effective solutions that are both space-saving and aesthetically pleasing. Connectivity options, based on what methods are available on site, are also an important consideration.When it comes to commercial charging, several additional considerations come into play:

Logistics: Deciding where the charge point will be installed within the premises.

Mounting Solutions: Determining whether a wall-mounted or floor-mounted solution is best suited to the site’s layout.

Socket Options: Opting for dual or quad socketed units to minimise groundwork and cabling, thus maximising the number of available outlets.

Connectivity Challenges: Addressing connectivity, particularly in underground or communal parking spaces, to ensure reliable operation.

Charging Speeds: Choosing units with varying speeds ranging from 7.4kW up to 240kW to accommodate different needs.

Operational Efficiency: Considering the operational aspects of the site, including vehicle downtime, and charging session turnaround times.

Data Management: Identifying what data needs to be extracted from the management system, such as kW consumption breakdown per driver or per vehicle. Which allows businesses to accurately assess their true operational costs of maintaining an electric fleet.

What are Rolec’s primary objectives for the next 12 months?
As we move into 2024 and beyond, we are dedicated to maintaining our leading position within our niche industries. As a genuine manufacturer and development company, our comprehensive range of products and services stands unparalleled.Our wider goal is to increase the support and resources we offer to contractors. As part of this initiative, we are also expanding our technical services, tripling the size of our technical support department, and implementing weekly product training and refresher courses. As well as encouraging installers and distributors to reach out with feedback to help us improve our services in the future.Our core focus revolves around enhancing the services we offer to our wholesale and electrical contractor networks. This encompasses a spectrum of support, ranging from pre-sales inquiries to comprehensive project assistance, quotations, onboarding, and handover processes. We’re currently on an exciting development journey aimed at seamlessly integrating these elements, and we look forward to sharing the news later on this year.

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