The electric vehicle (EV) industry experienced a flurry of exciting developments this week. From innovative charging offers to groundbreaking technology, the future of EVs is looking brighter than ever.
British Gas, in partnership with smart device provider Hive, is offering a year’s worth of free EV charging to new or existing British Gas customers with a smart meter who purchase one of Hive’s EV chargers. By activating the FreeCharge function in the Hive app, customers can track their savings and receive reimbursements on their energy bills. This move aims to make greener home solutions more accessible and affordable, encouraging more people to transition to electric vehicles.
Blink Charging UK has launched its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) enabled EV charger, EQ 200, in the UK and Ireland. Equipped with smart features like Wi-Fi and intelligent energy management systems, the EQ 200 allows drivers to sell energy from their EV back to the grid when it is not being used. Additionally, future updates will enable the use of stored energy in the EV’s battery to power home or office devices. This sophisticated charging infrastructure supports the growing adoption of EVs in the UK.
Fastned has opened its 18th UK charging station in Colchester, Essex. This ultra-rapid 300kW station, powered by renewable energy, features eight charging bays capable of adding 300 miles of range to EVs in just 20 minutes. Located at the Northern Gateway, the charging station offers convenient access to users while their vehicles recharge. Fastned’s commitment to network reliability and user-friendliness earned them the prestigious title of “Best EV Charging Network” for 2023 by chargepoint mapping service Zapmap.
Energy supplier OVO and energy software business Kaluza are collaborating with Volvo Cars to develop bi-directional and one directional charging for Volvo EVs in 2024. This partnership aims to create a smart energy system that maximizes flexibility and cost savings for Volvo drivers. The Kaluza algorithm will shift EV charging to the cheapest periods of the day, offering customers access to cheaper charging. Bi-directional chargers will also allow customers to export surplus energy back to the grid or their homes, earning rewards for their contributions.
With these latest developments, the EV industry is moving closer to a sustainable and accessible future. As technology advances and innovative partnerships flourish, EVs are set to revolutionize transportation and help achieve a greener world.
FAQ
1. How can British Gas customers receive a year’s worth of free EV charging?
British Gas customers with a smart meter can purchase one of Hive’s EV chargers and activate the FreeCharge function in the Hive app. British Gas will reimburse all electricity used in this mode on the customer’s energy bill.
2. What are the benefits of Blink Charging UK’s V2G enabled EV charger, EQ 200?
The EQ 200 allows drivers to sell energy from their EV back to the grid when it is not being used. It also features smart capabilities, including the ability to use stored energy from the EV’s battery to power home or office devices.
3. How many charging bays does Fastned’s ultra-rapid station in Colchester have?
Fastned’s charging station in Colchester has eight charging bays capable of adding 300 miles of range to EVs in just 20 minutes.
4. What benefits do Volvo drivers gain from the partnership between OVO, Kaluza, and Volvo Cars?
Volvo drivers will have access to cheaper charging as the Kaluza algorithm will shift EV charging to the cheapest periods of the day. Customers with bi-directional chargers can also earn rewards for exporting surplus energy back to the grid or their homes. This partnership aims to create a smart energy system that maximizes flexibility and cost savings for Volvo drivers.