Electric briefs: Latest EV news from Instavolt, Ionity, Octopus, Webfleet, Weev, Vital EV and BeEV

Octopus customers become the first to help balance grid with electric cars 

Through participation in a new industry-wide electricity system operator-led trial, the smart tariff ‘Intelligent Octopus’ will use batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) to balance while grid while they are charging.

The trial will explore the role that smaller-scale assets, in particular EVs, could have in providing flexibility in our future energy system via the Balancing Mechanism – a continuous market in which power is traded to balance the grid in real time. 

The initiative, says Octopus, will develop a better understanding of how these new types of energy resources can be integrated into the grid in the future.  

Whereas the Balancing Mechanism has had a historical reliance on gas power stations, the trail will explore the potential for batteries in cars on driveways to keep the grid balanced.

The technology automatically adjusts the charging schedule of the car in response to the electricity system operator (ESO) requests for more or less power.

Kraken, Octopus’s tech platform, will connect to Octopus customer EVs and continually manage their response depending on changing grid needs.

Importantly, says Octopus, any updates to charging schedules ensure that customer charging targets will still be met.

The ‘Intelligent Octopus’ tariff aims to provide electricity for 7.5p per kWh (2p per mile) when it is best for the grid.

Alex Schoch, head of flexibility at Octopus Energy Group, said: “EV drivers on our ‘Intelligent Octopus’ tariff now form the UK’s biggest virtual battery – and for the first time ever EVs have entered the Balancing Mechanism.

“Whilst we sleep, EV drivers are driving down grid balancing costs that are passed on to all customers – saving us all money. This is the ‘smart energy grid’ today – complete radicalisation of the way the system is balanced is here now.”

Claire Dykta, National Grid ESO head of markets, added: “Opening up access to the Balancing Mechanism for electric vehicles and other technologies is an important step for extending consumer flexibility in a net-zero world.

“This industry-wide trial will provide valuable information to our control room, to help enable the full-time availability of electric vehicles in the Balancing Mechanism in future.”

The ESO enabled the trial through its Power Responsive programme, which has opened a new route into the balancing mechanism to demonstrate the potential of this technology.

Octopus and other firms had worked together to identify and solve operational barriers via a Power Responsive led working group. 

Ionity opens six new chargers at shopping centre

Ionity has opened six new high-power chargers at one of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destinations, Gateshead’s Metrocentre. 

This is Ionity’s first retail centre opening in the UK and is located just a short walk from the main centre, in the Metro Retail Park.

Ionity’s country manager of UK and Ireland, Andreas Atkins, said: “We take great pride in opening a new charging hub at one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, making it our first charging site at a retail park.

“Wherever charging points are located, there is a significant impact on a site’s overall trade levels due to an influx of a new customer base of EV drivers, and we are confident this will be the case at Metrocentre, especially with the various amenities they have on offer.

"Ionity has plans to continue expansion across the UK and Europe, with the aim to have a charging site every 60 to 80 miles on average across Europe’s highway network."

Ben Cox of Sovereign Centros, senior asset manager for Metrocentre, added: “Creating a sustainable future is important to the centre and our partnership with Ionity further reinforces our commitment to sustainability as we adapt to the evolving needs of our visitors.

“As more people make the switch to EV ownership, decisions on where to shop and socialise will be influenced by charging infrastructure.  These new chargers will support our commitment and provide EV charging for both local visitors and those visiting from further afield.

“The addition of these ultra-rapid chargers will add to the centre’s existing provision, making it one of the biggest EV charging infrastructures in a UK shopping centre.” 

Webfleet extends OEMconnect programme to support electric vehicles 

Webfleet is extending its OEMconnect programme to support electric vehicles (EVs) starting with a deal with Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services.

Fleet managers with Mercedes-Benz electric cars and vans can now access EV data with no need to install additional hardware.

Data, for example, will be available on charging time, driving range, current battery status, energy consumption by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

“Businesses across the world use Webfleet to help improve fleet efficiency, support drivers, boost safety, stay compliant and work more sustainably,” said Paul Verheijen, vice president of product strategy and partnerships at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

“Together with Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services, we are creating new value for these businesses, highlighting the importance of telematics data to making an effective transition to electric mobility and running a productive electric fleet.”

OEMconnect for electric vehicles is available for all electric Mercedes-Benz cars and vans in all European countries where Webfleet is present.

Webfleet intends to expand the programme to include EVs from more manufacturers in the near future.

InstaVolt joins Octopus Electroverse roaming service

InstaVolt has joined the electric vehicle (EV) roaming service platform Octopus Electroverse to make charging even easier for drivers.

It joins more than 580 charge point operator brands drivers can access on Octopus Electroverse, including Ionity, Osprey, Mer, Fastned, Source London, Connected Kerb and Genie Point.

InstaVolt operates 1,300-plus ultra-rapid and rapid charge points across more than 550 locations across the UK.

Matt Davies, director at Octopus Electroverse, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome InstaVolt on board. Their award-winning ultra-rapid and rapid charge points are a brilliant addition for drivers to access on Electroverse as we accelerate the drive toward a green energy system.”

Adrian Keen, CEO at InstaVolt, added: “Our partnership with Octopus Electroverse is yet another important step towards decarbonising the UK’s roads and provides more options for EV drivers needing to charge.

“The Electroverse tech is industry leading, and the interactivity creates a seamless experience for users. 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for InstaVolt, and this collaboration is yet another fantastic opportunity to build our offering for our customers."

Vital EV installs 400kW liquid-cooled Kempower Satellite chargers

Vital EV has commissioned what it claims are the UK’s first liquid-cooled 400kW Kempower Satellite chargers at the UTAC Millbrook testing facility in Bedfordshire.

The two 400kW chargers, along with two 260kW chargers, will be used to charge prototype and production vehicles.

Chris Polmear, principal engineer at UTAC, said: “At 400kW, our new charging hub deploys the fastest charge in the UK and the whole process – right the way from the initial conversations to putting it into operation – has been seamless, and their engineering teams have kept us in close communication with all the updates.”

Each of the four Kempower Satellite Chargers is dynamically powered by the 500kW Power Unit, which helps make best use of their grid supply.

The two 400kW chargers are fitted with liquid-cooled cables which are rated to 500A and capable of 500kW short-term boost.

Alex Rae, director and general manager of Vital EV, said: “Vital EV is proud to be support UTAC in charging both production and next-generation prototype EVs, which require our tailored solutions and unrivalled aftersales support to meet their unique requirements, time and time again.” 

BeEV installs ultra-rapid chargers at retail park

BeEV has partnered with Glenbrook Investments to install four new ultra-rapid electric car chargers at St Mary’s Retail Park in Rochdale. 

The eight-bay charging hub is equipped with Kempower chargers and is located just off the A58, approximately 10 minutes away from the M62.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of BeEV, said: “This project truly levels up the local area and will help speed up Rochdale’s transition to electric vehicles. EV ownership in the borough has been slow compared to the rest of Greater Manchester, but our work with Glenbrook will help change that. 

“Retail sites are the ideal location for high quality charging facilities, and Glenbrook really understands the value of providing reliable EV chargers for drivers.”

Mike Armstrong, property manager at Glenbrook added: “The introduction of the ultra-rapid charging hub at St. Mary's Retail Park marks a significant milestone in Rochdale's efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption and support the transition to sustainable transportation.”

Weev opens new charge points with Rushmere in Northern Ireland

Weev has opened four new public charging stations at Rushmere Shopping Centre in County Armagh.

The two 24kW DCs and two 22kW ACs form part of Weev’s multi-million-pound investment programme that will see thousands of charging stations rolled out across Northern Ireland and beyond over the coming years.

Thomas O’Hagan, chief commercial officer at Weev, said: “It is great to welcome Rushmere Shopping Centre to our ever-expanding network of location partners as we continuously aim to make EV charging more accessible to drivers across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“By partnering with Rushmere we are offering a vital service to customers who drive EVs and helping the shopping centre future proof its facility for many more years to come.

“We look forward to working with more shopping centres, hotels and other convenient location partners as businesses across the region are increasingly searching for ways to adopt sustainable practices in everyday operations.”