Energy and services group Engie has acquired ChargePoint Services (CPS), a UK provider of integrated EV charging solutions, and owner and operator of the nationwide pay-as-you-go EV charging network, GeniePoint.

CPS already works with around 30 local authorities on charging point infrastructure and has also supplied workplace charging solutions for blue-chip organisations such as Microsoft and Siemens. 

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, supports Engie’s ambition to be a leader in green mobility and aims to establish it as a major player in the UK EV market across public authorities, the workplace and the home.

Complimenting Engie’s existing EV capabilities, CPS brings 20,000 GeniePoint network customers and a cloud-based data and control platform. This will create a combined public rapid charging network of more than 400 stations (typically capable of charging cars in less than an hour), and a further fast network in excess of 500 stations by the end of 2019.

Nicola Lovett, Engie’s UK and Ireland CEO, said: “The provision of green mobility solutions is a key part of Engie’s wider strategy to help tackle air quality in cities and be a leader in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

“Acquiring CPS is an important step in scaling up our ambitions in the EV market, complementing our existing energy supply activities and our partnerships with local authorities and businesses.

“The acquisition strengthens our combined capabilities to assist local authorities and other public sector customers with placemaking - working alongside them to shape the future use of their estates and public spaces to enhance the lives of those who use them.

“It also enables us to work closely with our many business customers to support their ambitions to decarbonise their own fleets and support their employee’s adoption of low and zero carbon vehicles.”

Alex Bamberg, managing director of ChargePoint Services, added: “Becoming part of Engie is an exciting move for CPS. The combination of Engie’s renewable energy, hardware technology and installation capability, together with our own significant experience in EV charging network management, infrastructure rollout, and 24/7 customer service provision, will create a major player in electric vehicle fuelling in the UK. 

“With the demand for EV charging across the UK increasing rapidly as vehicles with longer range and reduced charging times are launched by the motor industry, we will together be well placed to support the transition to EV in the UK and the drive for cleaner air quality.”

Globally Engie is the second largest provider of EV charging stations, having provided more than 75,000 worldwide. It designs, installs, operates and maintains its charge points for use by the public, businesses and for home installation. 

The Engie Group includes EVBox, a leading global manufacturer of electric vehicle charging points from slower AC to rapid DC.

In the UK, Engie has been appointed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to install 88 rapid charge points throughout the region. It will install, own and operate the charge points for at least 10 years. 

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