Electric briefs: Latest from BT Group, Allstar, Gofor, Ionity, Podfather, Zest, Radius and Fleetmaxx Solutions

BT Group’s first green cabinet charger available to the public free of charge

BT Group has installed its first electric vehicle (EV) charge point powered from a street cabinet, marking the first phase of trials which could lead to the wider upgrade of cabinet units across the UK.

The charger, which is powered by a BT Group owned cabinet traditionally used to store broadband and phone cabling, forms part of a nationwide pilot by the business’ start-up incubation hub Etc, designed to address the shortfall in public EV charging infrastructure.

As reported by Fleet News in January, the first charger was installed in East Lothian, Scotland, where it has been tested with BT Group employees.

It is now available for use by local residents, who will be able to charge their EVs at no cost until May 31 as part of the pilot.

The pilot will focus next on West Yorkshire, with ambitions to scale up to 600 trial sites across the UK.

EV drivers can use the charge point with ease by downloading the trial app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Throughout the pilots Etc at BT Group will test elements ranging from the digital customer experience to engineering and technology choices, planning and local engagement, operational and commercial options.

It has identified up to 4,800 street cabinets that could be used for potential upgrade in Scotland to meet increasing demand.

Tom Guy, managing director of Etc at BT Group, said: “These trials present a unique opportunity to tap into existing assets to drive the important transition to electrification in the UK, and we’re proud to be working with local councils in East Lothian and more widely across the UK at this critical stage to play our part.”

Allstar partners with ChargePlace Scotland

Allstar has signed a deal with ChargePlace Scotland, the public EV charging network established by the Scottish Government. 

The partnership gives drivers access to more than 2,800 chargers and over 6,000 connectors across more than 1,400 locations, all via Allstar.

Ashley Tate, MD for Allstar Chargepass UK, said: “Together we will enhance simplicity for business customers, as through Allstar they can now pay at 75% of the Scottish network, enabling drivers to travel from one end of Scotland to the other seamlessly with a single payment solution.

"It’s great to have ChargePlace Scotland join our vast network of charge point operators and follows in quick succession since we launched with Tesla Supercharger in March this year.”

Gofor selects charging partner to enhance salary sacrifice offering

Gofor has announced a partnership with VCHRGD Technologies to provide home charging for its customers.

Specialising in home charging, VCHRGD offers high-end technical knowledge and user-friendly designs to make EV charging effortless, backed up by its UK-based technical support, says Gofor.

As part of the new partnership, Gofor salary sacrifice for electric vehicle customers will be recommended a VCHRGD home charging option, with 7kW and 22kW chargers.

The two businesses are also discussing providing solutions for Gofor’s wider fleet management customer base.

Iain Bennett, managing director at Gofor, said: “We met a number of charging technology companies in recent weeks, but VCHRGD really stood out.

“Alongside their smart, sustainable, and highly effective charging technology, I’ve been incredibly impressed with their focus on the customer and after-sale support, reflected in their five-star Google Reviews score. As a result, I’ve got 100% confidence they’ll provide Gofor customers with exceptional service.”

Ian Hanton, commercial director at VCHRGD, added: "We’re very pleased to have Gofor join us on this electrifying journey as we shape the future of sustainable transportation.”

The first installations of VCHRGD chargers have already occurred with Gofor salary sacrifice customers, including standard installations and more complex on-street parking installations.

Further installations are planned during 2024, in-line with Gofor’s salary sacrifice growth plans.

Fleetmaxx Solutions partners with Radius Charge to expand electric vehicle charging offer

Fleetmaxx Solutions has announced a new partnership with Radius Charge, enabling the company to offer supply and installation of EV charge points to both residential and business customers.

As part of the expanded partnership, Fleetmaxx Solutions will now provide customers with access to a range of EV charge points suitable for both homes and businesses.

“We are looking forward to supporting Fleetmaxx’s customers on their journey to electric with our range of leading hardware suitable for both homes and businesses of all sizes,” said Andrew Weston, head of sales and marketing, Radius charge.

Rob Webb, founding director of Fleetmaxx Solutions, added: “We have been seeking a partner with a high level of expertise in supply, installation, and customer service in this rapidly evolving industry, and Radius has made the decision very easy for us to make.”

Ionity opens new 350kW public high-power EV charging site

Ionity has opened a new EV charging site in Bodmin, which will initially provide six 350kW chargers. 

The site will be close to is Exeter charging site based just off the M5 in Cullompton and extends Ionity’s presence further southwest in the UK. 

Andreas Atkins, Ionity's country manager for the UK and Ireland, said: "Our expansion into Bodmin marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise the electric vehicle charging landscape across the UK.

“With our cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, we're not just powering cars; we're powering a cleaner, greener future for all across the UK and Europe."

Ionity’s Bodmin site is based in Bodmin Retail Park, Launceston Rd, Bodmin.

Rodda’s Selects Podfather to manage clotted cream deliveries

A E Rodda and Sons has selected fleet logistics software from Podfather to drive improvements in its direct to market service.

Delivering its clotted cream and a range of dairy and delicatessen products to businesses, Rodda’s Direct serves smaller, independent retail outlets as well as campsites and hospitality venues. 

Using Podfather, Rodda’s now has complete visibility of its delivery fleet, can capture and communicate live updates as schedules unfold and is optimising the transport operation to reduce its environmental impact.

Rodda’s Direct uses a mixed fleet of temperature-controlled vans serving around 400 customers from Bude to Land’s End and Saltash to the Isles of Scilly.

Part of a larger IT transformation project, Rodda’s selected Podfather to integrate with a new ERP system.

Wayne Glanville, IT manager at A E Rodda and Sons, said: “One of the reasons we chose Podfather is its ease of integration and ease of use and this has been validated from day one.”

University of Warwick partners with Zest for campus EV charging

The University of Warwick is working with Zest to provide 173 electric vehicle (EVs) charging spaces in car parks across the campus.

Serving staff, students and visitors, work has already started to build what will be one of the UK’s largest university campus charging facilities.

Zest, a certified B Corp, is investing £1.3m over the 15-year agreement to provide and operate the charging facilities. There are no costs to the University.

Warwick is recognised for its excellence in transport and future mobility research. The university’s respected academics work with major industry and Government to advise and develop green, clean modes of transport, and to trial the solutions on campus.

The campus is also home to The National Automotive Innovation Centre, a partnership between the University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Jaguar Land Rover, and Tata Motors European Technical Centre.

Islam Parvez, director of environmental sustainability at the University of Warwick, said: “By working in partnership with Zest, we have been able to match our strong commitment to sustainability with real action.

“With charging spaces in the hundreds, drivers on campus will be reassured that switching to EV is a sustainable, desirable and convenient option.”

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, added: “By providing abundant charging facilities now, more drivers will be encouraged to switch, with all of the climate decarbonisation and air quality benefits that go with it.

“We’re excited to see their positive effects, both on driver behaviours and in stimulating new automotive research.”