Forging links between electric vehicle (EV) drivers and charge point operators across Scotland is a vital component of the transition to all-electric transportation. This has come a step closer with the launch of the latest high tech innovation by German company, &Charge. EV drivers will now be able to provide vital 'real time' operational information via a mobile phone app while charging their cars, including visual checks and inspections to boost charge point efficiency. And they will be rewarded for their efforts.
In a new and unique innovation developed by &Charge, EV drivers can earn &Charge kilometres. These can be used for discounts on vehicle charging costs and other incentive rewards. EV drivers would simply log their charge place experience on the revolutionary new app that connects directly with charge point operators (CPOs). &Charge is the leading platform combining smart user engagement with value-added services around EV charging.
Using the new mobile phone app to upload 'real time' experiences, including photographs showing the condition of charge stations, drivers will provide CPOs with valuable information on availability, performance and condition of their equipment for which EV drivers will also benefit.
&Charge, who have already pioneered the new app in Europe, say that EV drivers can check-in at nearly every charging station throughout the UK to provide updates while charging, while enjoying reduced charging costs and access to valuable online goods and services. From 2023 onwards, there will also be access to in-store services.
Launching the new feature for EV drivers, Simon Vogt, co-founder and chief sales officer of &Charge, said: 'By bringing CPOs and EV drivers closer together, we have created a unique facility that in Europe has already proved highly successful. We are now in a position to introduce this new technology to the UK for the benefit of EV users and operators of the EV charging network across the country.
'For each and every CPO, one of the most important factors is ensuring the fast and efficient operation and servicing of their units, thereby increasing the availability of chargers to the rapidly growing number of EV users throughout the UK.
'Smart user engagement with value-added services around EV charging is a new and exciting development for the UK. We have created the &Charge platform that increases CPO uptime availability, decreases operational expense and boosts customer satisfaction. Receiving real time information from those drivers using the stations is invaluable in providing instant notification of the need for maintenance services to reduce the downtime of chargers.'
EV drivers can now enjoy earning further bonus points ('kilometres') in over 350 leading stores throughout the UK including AO, Marks & Spencer, Curries, Booking.com, JD, Zavvi, Hughes and Electrical Discount. EV drivers can redeem their collected kilometres for personal shopping and free charging sessions with Hyundai (Charge myHyundai), KIA (KIA Charge), Octopus Energy Electric Universe, Plugsurfing and Maingau.
Vogt added: 'With our HQ in Frankfurt, &Charge, as a digital company, is able to expand into the UK without the need to have a physical presence. We have received overwhelming support for this new information stream technology and are in discussion with a number of key CPOs eager to explore opportunities with &Charge. Therefore we are quite excited to launch and enter the British market with our first local partner Source London'.
The majority of the top EV charge point operators in Germany are already using &Charge. A spokesman for Ionity said: 'The collaboration with &Charge is an important component of our quality assurance: feedback related to our charging stations is fed into our systems in a structured way via an interface. We can then evaluate potential issues and act quickly. The crowd-source approach of &Charge helps us to intensify the relationship with our customers across borders and to benefit from the daily experiences of the community'.
Neil Swanson, director of Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, praised the latest tech innovation: 'EV sales are soaring and the real time information drivers can provide to charge point operators across the country can only assist in improving the availability and condition of the country's charging infrastructure. We welcome such innovation'.
CPO, Allego, who are partnering with &Charge, said that the information from EV drivers complimented the many sensors inside a charging station, allowing remote diagnostics and preventative maintenance: 'the &Charge app ensures that we now also get a much better handle on the state of the outside of the charging station and the charging location itself. This is essential feedback helping us strive to improve the EV driver experience on our network'.
To load the new &Charge App, use the following links:
Google:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andcharge
Apple:
https://apps.apple.com/de/app/charge/id1487636133?l=de
Norrie Hunter is
a motoring journalist and is currently advising Electric Vehicle Association Scotland on press and media communications
