Electric briefs: Latest EV news from Allstar, Network Rail, Bonnet, Tfl and Gridserve

Allstar increases ultra-rapid charge point reach with Applegreen Electric partnership

Allstar has struck a new partnership with Applegreen Electric to grow its electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

The deal gives access to an initial additional 86 ultra-rapid charge points across 14 motorway sites and building to more than 500 charge points across the Welcome Break and Applegreen UK networks over the next year.

Allstar’s total network now exceeds 14,000 charge points located at more than 4,000 sites, with 91% of these chargers being fast, rapid and ultra-rapid.

Ashley Tate, MD at Allstar Chargepass UK, said: " By partnering with Applegreen Electric, we’re bringing more convenience to our customers that use the motorway network, allowing them to recharge and have access to amenities offered by popular brands at the Welcome Break Services.”

Jack O’Brien, country manager for the UK at Applegreen Electric, added: "Our partnership will help to remove one of the key barriers to EV adoption for businesses of all sizes by making it easier for drivers to find and use reliable charging points, supporting the switch to electric and empowering EV drivers to enjoy their journey.”

Allstar’s EV network growth has been achieved through 17 partnerships to date, including with Gridserve and InstaVolt.

Partner sought for ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hubs

Five new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub sites in London are being offered to the market.

Places for London, Transport for London (TfL)’s property company, is seeking a partner to deliver all five sites via a joint venture partnership. 

The ultra-rapid charging hubs will be located in Hanger Lane, Canning Town, Hillingdon Circus, Hatton Cross and Tottenham Hale. Hubs, which will include at least six ultra-rapid charging bays and at least one bay for those with accessibility needs.

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, has also announced that two contracts for a further 51 sites for rapid charge points have now been signed and awarded to charge point operator Zest.

These sites are being delivered as part of the Mayor’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery (EVID) project, which now has contracts with Zest in place to deliver more than 100 rapid charging bays on the TfL road network. Installation of the EVID charge points will begin in early 2024.

The new sites will add to London’s expanding network of more than 18,000 publicly accessible charge points, of which 1,000 are rapid or ultra-rapid.

Dance said: “London is leading by example, with over a third of all charge points in the UK installed in our city so far.

“The joint venture for ultra-rapid charging hubs announced today will make it even easier and more convenient for Londoners and local businesses to switch to electric vehicles.”

Bonnet discounts EV charging rates at Morrisons

Bonnet has partnered with Equans, which operates the GeniePoint rapid charging network, and Morrisons to offer Bonnet app customers an exclusive discount when charging on the GeniePoint network at more than 250 Morrisons stores.

Bonnet app users will receive 17p/kWh discount when charging during GenieFlex peak hours and a 16p/kWh discount during off-peak hours.

GenieFlex peak hours are 8am – 8pm and off-peak hours are 8pm – 8am

Boost subscribers also benefit from an additional 10% (Light Boost) and 15% (Turbo Boost) discount.

Patrick Reich, CEO and co-founder of Bonnet, said: “At Bonnet, we’re committed to making EV charging as accessible and affordable as possible which is why we’re delighted to partner with GeniePoint to offer our customers discounts.”

Dee Humphries, managing sirector of Equans EV Solutions, added: “We’re really pleased to offer EV drivers such a great discount on the GeniePoint network with our partners, Bonnet and Morrisons, available exclusively when charging at Morrisons stores through the Bonnet app.”

Gridserve grows Moto EV charging network

Motorway services operator Moto and Gridserve have announced six new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points at Moto Exeter.

In 2023, Moto and Gridserve have added 106 ultra-rapid EV chargers across 12 sites to Moto’s UK network.

Moto chief executive, Ken McMeikan said: “We’re constantly looking to develop our network of EV charging stations which is why I’m absolutely delighted to announce the installation of six new chargers at Moto Exeter, taking our total number to 56 ultra-rapid chargers.”

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve, added: “The expansion of Moto Exeter is vital for our continued efforts to support the UK’s busiest Motorway Service Areas in delivering EV charging facilities.”

Moto now has 213 High Power Gridserve Electric Super Hubs located at 23 Moto service areas.

New charge points opened at rail station car parks

Network Rail and APCOA have rolled out 50 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across station car parks at Droitwich, Llandudno and Chislehurst.

It brings the total to just under 600 units across the Network Rail parking estate.

APCOA supplied the 22kW chargers from Compleo, with installation by Amco Giffen and the linking of customer payment options via APCOA Connect.

To support the additional power requirement, a new electrical substation has been supplied and installed to upgrade the existing supply at Llandudno. 

All 600 EV points across the Network Rail estate are backed up and supported by APCOA’s 24-hour UK-based customer support team, including a 24-hour inbound customer contact line and remote support and monitoring system.

Hamish Kiernan, commercial director for property at Network Rail, said: “EV provision is central to our sustainability strategy, and with consumers increasingly embracing electric vehicles it’s vital we can offer this service to passengers and local residents.

“We look forward to expanding the EV charging solution to seven more key locations by the end of January 2024 to further enhance the customer experience.”