Case study · Kernow Learning, Cornwall
EV charging for a multi-academy trust, planned school by school.
Kernow Learning came to us early, while it was still working out how EV charging could work across its schools: charging for trust staff during the week, with the option of opening it to the local community at weekends and in the holidays. We gave advice and guidance from day one, surveyed every school, presented the best options for each site, and set the project up with our funding and installation partners.
What the trust needed to know
- Advice and guidance from the very first conversation, before any decisions were made
- A survey of every school: electrical capacity, charger locations and internet connection
- The best options for each school, presented to the trust side by side
- Staff charging on weekdays, with the option of community access at weekends and in the holidays
- An app for monitoring energy use, and a maintenance plan to keep every unit working
- Clear steps, costs and timelines for every site, so the trust could decide with the full picture
"Their insights were invaluable in helping us make informed decisions regarding potential investments in EV charging infrastructure."
David Houghton, Chief Operating Officer, Kernow Learning
One project, three specialists
Schools shouldn't have to manage funders and electricians themselves. We put the right people together and run the project, so the trust deals with one contact.
Manta Power
First call: advice, surveys and the best options
We spoke to the trust from the start, surveyed every school and presented the best options for each site. Then we brought in the right funding and installation partners and set the project up. The trust had one point of contact throughout: us.
Our funding partner
Zero upfront cost
The capital cost was covered through our funding partner's model for schools, so nothing came out of school budgets.
Our installation partner
Fitted by qualified Cornwall electricians
A qualified, certified Cornwall installer fitted and commissioned the chargers, working around the school day.
On site
Number plates and people have been blurred.
Could your school or trust be next?
Zero upfront cost
For state-funded schools and academies, the government grant and our funding partner can cover the capital cost.
Drivers pay to charge
Staff and visitors pay through a simple app, and the school gets a monthly payout for its share.
Staff first, community later
Start with staff charging and open it up to parents or the public out of hours if you want to.
Visible sustainability
Supports trust ESG targets and shows students a real commitment to greener operations.
The schools EV grant closes on 31 March 2027
Talk to Matt at Manta Power
Schools, Academy Trusts and councils in Cornwall and Devon: talk to us first. We'll give you free advice, survey your sites and bring in the right partners.
Kernow Learning has agreed to be named. The quote is from a reference letter from Kernow Learning to Manta Power.