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We’re thrilled to have signed a three-year preferred supplier deal with AXA Commercial, making us their preferred home and workplace charging partner. This agreement includes AXA’s business customers who purchase commercial lines insurance across their motor products. Referred customers will receive preferential rates, with our expert team handling consultation, delivery, installation, and activation of chargers. As businesses seek sustainable options, AXA Commercial expanded its greener fleet offerings and introduced an EV proposition for motor customers in 2022. This partnership allows us to support AXA's commitment to reducing carbon emissions as part of the Race to Zero campaign. We will also be AXA’s preferred EV charging provider for their company premises and employees. Earlier this year, AXA Commercial and Pod Point formed a working group with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and other organizations to establish best practices, drive innovation, and promote EV adoption. Dougie Barnett from AXA and Rob McGinn from Pod Point expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its alignment with sustainability and EV adoption goals.
The London to Brighton EV rally returned on June 22nd for its fourth year, celebrating and educating on electric vehicles. Despite the forecast, the weather was mostly brilliant. This year featured over 100 electric cars, including unique EVs. We proudly sponsored the event alongside EDF and Drive Electric, showcasing our new Solo 3S charger, which powered the rally’s pace car, a Nissan Ariya, entirely on solar energy for 130 miles, with 150 miles left in the battery. Our team participated in the rally, and at the finish line on Brighton’s seafront, we provided information about electric charging and handed out goodies. The EVs covered around 58 miles, with the pace car covering 130 miles from Hove to London, Brighton, and back to Hove. Brighton’s seafront was transformed into an e-village, where participants shared experiences, and visitors enjoyed stunts, live music, and freebies. EDF showcased their new EVolve energy tariff, and Drive Electric demonstrated V2L technology. An exclusive beach party followed, celebrating the day’s successes and the shared philosophy of sustainable driving.
With rising energy costs, EV drivers are seeking ways to lower expenses. Our research shows 87% are interested in solar integration for home chargers, even without solar panels yet. Introducing the Solo 3S, our new EV home charger, which includes all features of the Solo 3—like a Which? Trusted Trader Approved installation, a 5-year warranty, and smart charging capabilities—but with solar integration. The Solo 3S allows charging with excess solar power or a mix of solar and grid energy through new solar charging modes, enabling potential free charging. Setup is simple via the Pod Point App. It offers three modes: Solar mode (uses only excess solar energy), Solar and grid mode (combines solar with grid energy), and Charge Scheduling/Charge Now (maximizes charging rates). Designed to be future-proof, the Solo 3S works automatically with solar panels once installed and features a sleek, modern design.
Pod Point ensures its home chargers are always connected via Wi-Fi or ethernet, safeguarding access to smart features without hidden costs. Concerns arise for chargers reliant on SIM card connectivity, which may face unexpected fees once data contracts expire, rendering them 'dumb'. This situation affects access to smart features, crucial updates, and compliance with industry standards. Pod Point customers benefit from perpetual access to smart features and software updates, underscoring their commitment to affordable and sustainable driving solutions.
Pod Point and Centrica, parent company of British Gas, have launched an electric car charging trial to enhance energy flexibility and sustainability. Beginning in late February 2024, this six-month trial involves over 2,000 customers using Centrica’s Demand Side Response (DSR) platform to shift electricity usage to off-peak times, potentially earning £30 to £50 credits on their bills. Centrica’s virtual power plant (VPP) will integrate these EV users to balance grid supply and demand. Following a successful trial by the Electricity System Operator (ESO), this initiative aims to validate EVs as key flexibility sources in the Balancing Mechanism, contributing up to 6GW of DSR from smart charging by 2030. The trial will provide insights into energy system interactions, helping the ESO develop new rules for EV charging flexibility. Leaders from both companies highlight the trial's role in driving innovation, supporting the UK's Net Zero goals, and offering customers sustainable energy solutions.
