Fleet briefs: Latest from UK Power Networks, RAW Charging and Bridgestone

UK Power Networks help speed up forecourt EV chargers

UK Power Networks has worked with forecourt operator Motor Fuel Group (MFG) to help speed up the provision of public charge points.

The firm has 900 sites and has recently connected eight new 150kW charge points at its Catford site in Southeast London.

UK Power Networks runs a Green Recovery programme to deliver £66 million investment over 86 sites and the Catford site is one of them.

Ed Chadwick Till, electric vehicle (EV) director at MFG, said: “Our EV hub in Catford provides eight 150kW chargers. Whilst getting EV drivers back on the road quickly, it will be crucial in giving motorists the confidence to switch to zero carbon fuels.

“Thanks to UK Power Networks’ great work and the Green Recovery programme, MFG is able to build hubs like this quickly and ahead of the curve.”

Adam Lakey, stakeholder engagement manager at UK Power Networks, said: “We want to help enable the UK’s transition to net zero by reducing the cost of connecting EV chargers for our customers through our Green Recovery scheme.

“People need to be able to choose to use new technologies as we all strive to address climate change, this project needed us to install new infrastructure to enable the new equipment to connect to our electricity network, which will help create a low carbon economy for the future of Catford and beyond.”

RAW Charging offers free charging for Christmas

RAW Charging is offering free charging across the network on December 23, 2022, to help drivers get home for Christmas.

RAW’s charging network, which includes sites such as McArthurGlen outlet in York, Cheshire Oaks, the newly launched East Midlands, Greene King pubs across the UK and the Slough Charge Yard will all offer free charging for drivers throughout the day.

Free charging will begin at 12:01am on Friday (December 23) and normal fees will resume at 23:59 on the same day.

There will be a mix of fast AC and DC ultra-rapid chargers available for customers to use across RAW’s sites in the UK and the free charging will be available through the ChargePoint app or by using an RFID card.

Bruce Galliford, chief executive officer (CEO), RAW Charging, said: “We’d like to do our bit to ensure fellow EV drivers get home for Christmas with a full charge by offering free charging across our network on the December 23.

“We try and keep our charging rates down across the UK and we’d like to thank our customers by offering free AC and DC charging. Christmas and New Year.”

Bridgestone Mobility Solutions partner with Bia

Bridgestone Mobility Solutions and Bia, a software company, have partnered to help optimise fleet electrification.

Bridgestone said the collaboration will provide fleets with EVs with charging solutions ranging from optimising charging processes to reducing costs, shaving peak loads, managing battery health, and delivering flexible charging.

Candace Saffery Neufeld, CEO and founder of Bia, said: “Bridgestone Mobility Solutions and Bia will work together, leveraging fleet data to optimize EV charging for green and low-priced charges, smooth loads, and low battery degradation. This way we can ensure that the charging is cleaner, cheaper, and available when needed.”

Jan-Maarten de Vries, CEO Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “This partnership with Bia supports our ambitions to help fleet electrification, while utilising data analytics to provide flexibility and optimisation in fleet management. We’re excited to take the next steps in this emerging smart charging market and to help unlock the full potential of e-mobility for a successful clean energy transition.”

The Algorithm People to rebrand in 2023

The Algorithm People has revealed it is re-branding to Optimize in early 2023 to coincide with its new algorithm release.

The company said over the past 18 months, it has been developing a suite of new optimisations algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, with the aim of accelerating fleet decarbonisation and generating further efficiencies within fleets by using AI.

The company is also enrolling in a quantum computing project to explore how its algorithms can be applied to the area of research, with plans to further enhance its algorithm portfolio.

Colin Ferguson, CEO at The Algorithm People, said: “The re-brand to Optimize along with our new technology, is an important step forward in the evolution of the business.

“This is a very exciting time for the business as we scale up and prepare for global expansion.

“We will be launching our new algorithm and associated technologies at the Royal Institute in London, in April 2023, and have further exciting announcements related to our branding and technology including a Brand Ambassador, which will be revealed in due course.”

Engineius partner with Digital INNK

Engineius has teamed up with Digital INNK to help provide a safer logistics service for fleets.

Engineius will deploy Digital INNK’s compliance tools ranging from driver licence to fit to drive checks and roll out integrated repair event processing.

Monty Law, head of supplier engagement at Engineius, said: “We put the customer at the heart of our business and use technology to create an efficient and smooth process for each journey.

“Digital INNK is a natural partner for us with a commitment to investing in digital transformation. They are breaking new ground in automating every part of fleet management.”

Angela Montacute, CEO of Digital INNK, said: “Engineius is a trusted partner to fleets across the UK. Its network of drivers is trusted to transport high-value vehicles up and down the country, and compliance is an essential part of each journey.

“Digital INNK is completely aligned with its aim to drive efficiency through better technology, and we look forward to supporting their ambitious growth plans.”

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