Electric briefs: Latest news from Europcar, Believ, Lightstate, Allstar, PoGo and Leasys

Allstar strikes deals with PoGo and Leasys as network hits milestone

Allstar is claiming that its electric vehicle (EV) charging network is the largest and fastest in the UK.  

More than half of the country’s public charge points are covered by the Allstar Chargepass network, giving access to 51,000 of the chargers across more than 19,000 locations.

Ashley Tate, MD of Allstar Chargepass UK, said: “Growing our EV network has always been a top priority for us, Allstar built its reputation on its best-in-class provision for vehicles and has the largest fuel network in the UK.

“We have long understood the need to duplicate this effort to support EV customers in the same way. As such, it is a true milestone to announce that we, and only we, offer customers the largest EV charging network in the UK too.”  

Leasys UK and PoGo became the latest to strike partnership deals with the EV and business payment solutions provider.

Allstar will provide Leasys’ customers with Allstar Chargepass, its flexible payment solution enabling businesses to pick features based on their fleets' needs for EV charging and refuelling.

Leasys’s customers also have the option to add Allstar Homecharge alongside their Allstar Chargepass card, enabling businesses to charge their vehicles at home.

Matthew Boswell, MD of Leasys UK, said: “We’re always looking to enhance our customer offering, providing simple solutions that will make a big difference for businesses and fleets. This latest solution will give drivers greater flexibility and control, while also making EV leases more accessible.”

PoGo Charge, meanwhile, has announced a new strategic partnership with Allstar, which will add more than 250 EV charging points across 96 locations to the Allstar network.  

Over the course of this year PoGo Charge will be installing another 1,000 ultra-rapid charging points across the UK to give Allstar users even more places to charge their electric vehicles. 

Tate said: “Working with rapid and ultra-rapid networks, which allow our fleet drivers to charge with minimal disruption to their journey, has been a key priority and we are pleased to have PoGo Charge as a new partner.

“Not only does PoGo Charge provide some of the fastest charging technology, but it is also one of the UK’s fastest growing networks, which means our customers will have even more locations to charge at as it accelerates its infrastructure rollout.” 

Believ pledge cards launched to accelerate EV infrastructure rollout

Charge point operator (CPO) Believ has launched a series of pledge cards to ask local councils and parliamentarians to commit to scaling up the pace of the UK’s infrastructure rollout.

The pledge cards will ask local authority councillors to commit to: rolling out all speeds of charge point in all areas; continuing to follow best practice and highest safety standards; agreeing contracts without exclusivity; and using all sources of funding including private sector investment.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: “As more consumers buy EVs, especially with the rise of the second-hand EV market, we are in very real danger that public infrastructure isn’t keeping up with demand. Private industry is ready, willing and able to fully fund local authorities’ EV infrastructure needs – and scale up the rollout.”

By agreeing contracts without exclusivity, Believ is urging local authorities to further market competition and deliver better choice and user experience for drivers.

“Our goal with these pledge cards is to foster committed action from local government, through the support of national government,” Added Bartlett.

“We need to act now if we are to support consumers’ switch to EVs, and the decarbonisation of transport.”

UK start-up reveals vision for EV charging

Lightstate has unveiled a new vision for EV charging infrastructure in the UK.

Conceived by British inventor and entrepreneur, Alex Hearn, Lightstate’s solar-powered, rapid EV charging energy hubs – Lightstations – aim to provide a solution to the challenges of vehicle electrification in the UK.

Hearn said: “By 2030 there will be millions of EV on British road, and we’ll need to have the electricity infrastructure in place to give drivers a great experience. This requires a massive transition from the traditional refuelling proposition.”

He added. “Smart technologies are already transforming the way the country is run, but looking around, you wouldn’t be able to tell. We want to disrupt design norms for utility infrastructure, by combining beauty and functionality with our Lightstations.”

Lightstate is using AI and machine learning to identify key infrastructure gaps for development, at optimal locations, with three initial sites confirmed for 2024 and more to follow.

Europcar launches knowledge hub to dispel myths of going electric

Featuring a beginner’s guide, a charging guide and advice for businesses going electric, a new knowledge hub from Europcar Mobility Group UK aims to provide invaluable information for all drivers considering going electric, as well as those who have recently made the switch.

Forming part of its free digital EV guide launched in 2023, the new knowledge hub will be continually updated to reflect new information and developments from across the market.

“Lack of knowledge is one of the biggest blockers to the EV transition,” said Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar.

“Drivers are bombarded with misinformation and have limited access to first-hand experience of EV ownership. Yet we know that when drivers are provided with accurate, detailed insight the concerns are dispelled pretty quickly.”

He added: “Building and developing our EV guide to now include the knowledge hub is an important part of our commitment to helping drivers and businesses transition to low and zero emissions mobility.

“And we complement the guide with a wide range of electric and hybrid cars and vans for customers to choose on their next rental, to allay fears and give them confidence.”