The five biggest EV stories of 2020 so far

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining traction for some time as new players, policy and increased public demand have pushed them into the limelight.

New models have hit the market and the rollout of chargers has seemingly exploded, with all manner of charging speeds and applications targeted.

This year has, in particular, has seen EVs soar up the news agenda, with a number of topics – ranging from sector-wide challenges to payment and ownership innovation – dominating.

Perhaps most notably, the issue of interoperability and how best to tackle it has made its way into many a headline, alongside news of some of the larger players in the energy space snapping up some mobility firms and partnering others. It is undoubtedly indicative of a rapidly growing sector that is driving straight into the heart of the transition.

Curated below are the five biggest EV stories of the year so far.

Octopus Energy launches EV charging payment interoperability service

Octopus Energy is expanding the services offered under its Electric Juice brand with the launch of a new roaming service. The Electric Juice Network is to offer EV drivers a single way to pay for charging, spanning both home charging and public charging.

Drivers will pay through their Octopus account across multiple partner charging networks – the first of which to be announced is lamppost charging company Char.gy – with costs appearing on a single bill.

Centrica’s new EV ownership model will ‘push the boundaries’

Centrica is developing a new model for electric vehicle (EV) ownership alongside Lotus in a bid to integrate future mobility and energy.

Speaking to Current± following the initial announcement, vice president of Centrica Innovations, Carl Bayliss, said that the two companies wanted to “push the boundaries” rather than “building upon a legacy model”.

EDF to support Royal Mail electrification with three-year deal for EV chargers

EDF has signed a deal with Royal Mail for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) chargers as the latter continues electrification commitments. The three-year framework will see EDF provide charging points, associated maintenance and ancillary services such as signs, bollards and wheel stops.

Shell Energy launches EV charging bundle offering 2,000 miles free charging

Shell Energy has launched a new electric vehicle (EV) charging offer including an EV tariff and charger. The offer includes a discounted home smart charger installed for £299, a saving of 14% compared to the retail price of £349.

The charger, provided by Shell-owned NewMotion, provides 7kW of power, charging a typical EV in five hours, Shell said. It will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with Shell Energy switching to 100% renewables last year as it re-branded from First Utility.

EDF acquires Pod Point securing its role in the UK EV market

EDF has confirmed its long-rumoured acquisition of electric vehicle (EV) charging company Pod Point, in a move that cementing its position in the UK EV space.

The energy supplier has purchased the charging company together with Legal and General, which is taking a c.23% stake in EDF’s newly-formed joint venture.