Ovo’s Charge Anywhere Feature for Affordable EV Charging
Ovo has introduced its latest offering, the Charge Anywhere service, with the aim of reducing the expenses associated with public electric vehicle (EV) charging. This service, accessible to all EV owners, not exclusively Ovo clientele, enables users to locate, utilize, and make payments for charging through the Ovo Charge app. With an extensive network of over 34,000 UK public chargers and 400,000 across Europe, individuals utilizing the app can benefit from savings of 10-15% through in-app ‘Boost’ plans. The ‘Light Boost’ and ‘Turbo Boost’ monthly subscription options are priced at £2 and £8 respectively, presenting the potential to save up to £4.28 per charge. Mat Moakes, Ovo’s Chief Commercial Officer, underscored the goal of Charge Anywhere to make sustainable driving more accessible to the public and revealed that Ovo customers have collectively saved over £6 million through this initiative.
Volkswagen Group Extends Partnership with Ohme
The Volkswagen Group has prolonged its partnership with Ohme, designating it as the official home EV charging provider in the UK. This extended collaboration, inclusive of all six Volkswagen Group brands: Audi, Cupra, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commenced in 2022. Ohme’s dynamic smart chargers can connect with the grid in real time, enabling users to optimize charging expenses and access the most economical EV tariffs. David Watson, CEO of Ohme, accentuated the benefits of dynamic smart charging in reducing operational costs and expressed eagerness to introduce more drivers to its advantages. Meanwhile, Kate Jeffreys, Electric Vehicles Business Lead for Volkswagen Group UK, cited Ohme’s exceptional customer service and dynamic technology as pivotal factors in renewing the partnership.
Energy Storage Systems for Volvo Truck Dealerships
Two Volvo Truck and Bus dealerships in the UK have deployed energy storage systems to power their electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charging infrastructure. Connected Energy’s 300kW E-Stor system will facilitate high-capacity charging points at Volvo’s Carlisle and London North facilities. Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director at Volvo Trucks UK and Ireland, highlighted the role of the systems in advancing high-powered charge point installations and supporting their broader net-zero strategy. Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, emphasized that their battery energy storage systems offer a cost-effective alternative to grid infrastructure upgrades, making them imperative as bus and truck operators expand their EV range.
Anticipated Increase in Electric Cars on UK Roads
New AutoMotive foresees a 24% surge in the number of electric cars on UK roads, reaching 1.24 million by the end of 2024. This figure could ascend to 1.3 million if car manufacturers attain the 22% zero-emission car sales target stipulated in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. New AutoMotive’s State of the Switch report revealed that electric vehicles charged on a standard tariff were approximately 30% more economical per mile than operating a diesel vehicle and 36% more affordable per mile than a petrol vehicle. The report also stressed the necessity of policy changes to render EV charging more economical for all individuals, not solely those with off-street parking.
Conclusion
The latest advancements in electric mobility are shaping a more sustainable and cost-efficient future for EV owners. From accessible public charging choices to dynamic smart chargers and energy storage systems, the electric vehicle industry persists in innovating and expanding. With forecasts indicating a substantial increase in electric cars on UK roads, these advancements are poised to play a significant role in propelling the transition towards sustainable mobility.