The company said the debt raise – alongside the firm’s existing support from Octopus Energy Generation – signals a huge vote of confidence, both domestically and internationally, from investors.

Currently, there are only 5,336 locations in the UK offering rapid and ultra-rapid charging, serving more than one million EVs.

The company is focusing on strategic placement of public chargers to make these figures work in favour of areas that currently lack the appropriate EV charging solutions.

It is focused on cementing its presence in Manchester and the North West, where it has already installed more than 600 charge points.

Asif Ghafoor, Be.EV CEO said, “The financing from NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank serves as a huge vote of confidence in our mission to provide reliable ultra-rapid charging to communities that have been left behind by the transition to electric vehicles.

“This sizeable commitment from NatWest and KfW and the continued support from Octopus Energy Generation paves the way for future investments in the industry, which ultimately benefits the EV driving community and helps the Government’s Zero-emission-vehicles by 2035 mandate.

“It proves that investors, both domestic and international, are confident in the UK’s transition to EVs and its importance in transitioning to a net zero economy.

 “This deal was completed very quickly, which wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our partners and advisers, who I am grateful to for their endless support in getting this landmark deal over the line.”

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Funded by Innovate UK under the Net Zero Mobility programme, Project Robust Emergency Services Performing Operations in Electric (RESPONSE) looks to tackle some of the barriers in blue light operations with regards to planning and dispatch systems.

Flexible Power Systems (FPS) will lead the project with support from Cenex.

FPS is developing the new platform based on its existing Operate architecture – data integration software that works with the existing ecosystem used to manage fleet operations.

For RESPONSE, Operate will investigate how digital tools and artificial intelligence can be applied to emergency dispatch systems to better accommodate zero emission response vehicles.

Based in the UK and Holland, the participating partners sharing information about the operations of their current systems include NHS England, Southwest Police Service, Kent Police and Essex Police, and Ambulancezorg Nederland, the Dutch Ambulance association.

About 1,000 zero-emission emergency vehicles are now in operation, according to a recent Gridserve Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to police, fire and ambulance services.

Michael Ayres, managing director of FPS, said, “The electrification of emergency services vehicles presents the biggest challenge yet in the decarbonisation of transport.

“The complexities of assessing the correct vehicle to dispatch are myriad for the operator. We’re very proud that Cenex chose us to deliver this crucial service.”

Dr Peter Speers, principal technical specialist at Cenex, said, “Project RESPONSE offers an exciting opportunity to utilise our extensive experience in supporting emergency fleets and apply it to the development of zero-emission emergency service operations.

“With our deep understanding of vehicle technology and fleet operations, we are committed to maximising efficiency and ensuring the seamless integration of sustainable practices into emergency service operations.”

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Angus Webb (pictured above), CEO of Dynamon, said the company’s ZERO software will ensure operators will be able to confidently put e-HGVs on the road and not only replace diesel, but do so within acceptable operational, cost and scheduling parameters.

The eFREIGHT 2030 project is intended to demonstrate what electric HGVs can do in real world conditions by taking on roles that diesel trucks usually complete and illustrating a business case for their use, as well providing a publicly accessible network of 1MW eHGV charging hubs across the country.

Funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK, the £63 million trial involves a consortium of fleet operators including retailer Marks & Spencer, vehicle manufacturers DAF Trucks, Renault Trucks and Scania Trucks, with charging infrastructure providers Voltempo Group and Fleete Group.

Dynamon is providing the software which will allow all other partners to put the right components in place over the next 18 months before the on-the-road trials begin, including installing chargepoints in the correct place, choosing the right tractors and trailers, planning routes and identifying suitable work schedules.

Webb said, “This isn’t about giving electric HGVs easy routes and light schedules for demonstration purposes, it is about stress testing them in hard working environments in which they will have to deliver results.

“The trial will prove what happens when you max out e-HGVs on a daily basis.”

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The Enviro400EVs, in the livery of the Harrogate Bus Company, are fitted with roof-mounted charging rails to allow their 472kWh batteries be topped up by pantograph during layovers at Harrogate bus station.

Any need for additional energy for the 27-mile route, will be kept to a minimum due to the Enviro400EV’s driveline powered by the heavy-duty Voith Electrical Drive System.

Features include bespoke flooring, USB and wireless mobile device charging and audio-visual passenger information systems including displays facing the two wheelchair bays.

In addition, seats are arranged in a 2+1 pattern on the upper deck, with reclining single seats angled inwards alongside expanded window ledges and armrests.

Transdev Blazefield received funding for the purchase from the first round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (ZEBRA 1), via its partner North Yorkshire Council.

Henri Rohard, Transdev Blazefield Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to be working with Alexander Dennis on the next generation of the 36.

“This service has a special place in Transdev Blazefield network. I believe that the configuration considered in this bus is the best available and integrates all the latest innovation that we could think of. The design has been considered to improve our passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility.

“We will continue to integrate after the launch, additional features to further boost the quality of our passenger and driver on board information. We are looking forward to welcoming these buses into our fleet in the coming months.”

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Currently the electrical infrastructure in the South West is sparse, with Cornwall Council estimating that there are about 450 EV charging points in the county.

The partnership is set to boost the number of charging points by about 60%, installing rapid and ultra-rapid units across the region.

St Austell Brewery has more than160 pubs in its estate and a leading wholesale business across the region.

Committed to achieving net zero emissions across its operations by 2040, the company has already upgraded its company car fleet and installed EV chargers for employees driving hybrid or electric vehicles across all its head offices.

Paul Hine, Supply Chain Director, St Austell Brewery said, “We have a proud history of innovation so working with ScottishPower to install electric car chargers was a great way to prepare our pubs for an electric future. For us, going greener makes good business sense.

“We know that investing in this green tech will help us reduce our carbon footprint and thanks to ScottishPower we have been able to do this at scale.”

Andrew Mouat, Head of Smart Mobility at ScottishPower, said: “At ScottishPower, we want to help businesses integrate green tech into their operations to allow their customers to live a more sustainable lifestyle while creating a new revenue stream.

“We help business leaders find the best chargers for their carparks, manage and cover the cost of installation, and service the units for the term of the contract.”

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NewPower, which has moved into a factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation process by swapping powertrains in older fleets at a substantially lower price than buying a new bus.

Wrightbus will utilise the skills of its 1,800-strong workforce, including master technicians, to carry out the work.

Hailed as affordable decarbonisation, it is hoped that operators with mid-life bus fleets but without the funding for new zero-emission buses can take advantage of the instant sustainability switch.

Engineers say the conversion can take three weeks and have space for teams to work on six buses at any one time, offering the potential to decarbonise 500 buses a year.

Initially creating 22 jobs but with 65 staff expected on site by the end of the year, the announcement from Wrightbus follows a record-breaking start to 2024 which has seen the Northern Ireland business named as the fastest-growing large manufacturer in the UK and the fastest-growing bus-maker in Europe.

Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO said, “While we are selling new hydrogen and battery-electric buses all over the world there is a huge market of mid-life buses which, once converted, can have an immediate impact on helping to improve air quality in towns and cities up and down the UK.

“We have long been recognised as the world-leading manufacturer of both hydrogen and battery-electric buses and now NewPower will add another string to our bow.”

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With the new investment provided by Zouk Capital, char.gy aims to grow its network from more than 3,000 chargepoints today to 100,000 by 2030, supporting the transition for up to one million drivers.

Since its inception, char.gy has partnered with UK councils, facilitating the installation of public charge points through the CIIF, a £420m public-private fund established by the UK Government in 2019.

The fund, managed by Zouk Capital, aims to accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the UK.

Char.gy’s initial £6.4m investment in 2021, followed by a second round in 2022 bringing the total to £65m, has now culminated in this third round, bringing the total investment to £100m.

Capable of deploying more than 500 charge points per month, the company is accelerating its rollout to help meet the estimated requirement of 300,000 public chargers needed in the UK by 2030.

John Lewis, char.gy CEO, said, “We are delighted that with Zouk’s continued support, we will continue to expand our on-street charging network, making EV ownership viable for more individuals reliant on public charging, supporting their transition to sustainable transport.

“The latest funding will help us accelerate our ambitious growth plans and will be directed towards the rollout of more charge points across the next five years.”

George Ridd, Partner Zouk Capital, said, “Zouk’s increased commitment to char.gy comes at a pivotal time as the EV charging market experiences exponential growth.

“Collaborating with dedicated partners like char.gy allows local authorities to provide accessible, reliable charging infrastructure to their residents now and into the future.”

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The company is providing DriveElectric’s ‘Complete’ salary sacrifice solution to its employees, which includes insurance and early termination protection.

Also, a Pod Point 7kW Solo 3 home charger with an exclusive EV tariff can be included in the package if required.

Salary sacrifice enables employees to save up to 40% on an EV by exchanging part of their salary; the gross amount sacrificed reduces the employee’s income tax and national insurance (NIC) liability, as well as the employer’s NIC liability.

The scheme also helps employers to attract, reward and retain the best employees, and accelerate an organisation’s progress towards its net zero goals.

Customers can search, select and order an EV entirely online and businesses can control and oversee salary sacrifice leases using DriveElectric’s EV Hub.

Founded in 1898, Norton has won eight World Championships and 94 TTs, and the company is currently developing an electric motorbike as part of an expansion programme.

Mike Potter, Managing Director of DriveElectric, said, “Employees can save thousands of pounds per year on new or used EVs, with zero tailpipe emissions minimising impacts on climate change and local air quality.

“Norton’s employees receive support throughout the journey from our EV experts, ensuring that knowledgeable answers are provided to any questions about electric cars and charging.”

Rob Ridgway, Head of Human Resources, Norton Motorcycles said, “Motorcycles already represent a sustainable way of getting around but giving our ‘Nortoneers’ the option to take an electric car via salary sacrifice amplifies our collective contribution to a decreased carbon footprint and is a lovely additional perk we’re offering to our enthusiastic team.”

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Over three days last week, a fleet of 48 EVs headed by Danfoss’ 17 metre E-lorry, lightly customised, rounded off an 800 mile e-excursion from southern Denmark to Le Mans, just in time to witness France’s eponymous 24-hour endurance race.

Composed entirely of electric vehicles, and starting from the engineering group’s HQ in Nordborg, the e-exodus was organised on a non-profit basis by GodEnergi, suppliers of electric infrastructure to operators of heavy transport.

Dispelling range anxiety, and shattering EV myths slowing the electrification of Europe’s heaviest shifters of road freight, were motivators for the e-expedition.

Truckers urged to Lego of their prejudices

“48% of trucks in Denmark drive less than 300 kilometers (190 miles) per day.  And 62% of all HGV journeys across the EU are under 400km/250 miles”, Torben Christensen, Danfoss’ head of sustainability explained.

“We see neither technological nor practical barriers to converting (road freight) to fully electric trucks”, he continued, citing the International Energy Agency’s figure that trucks & heavy transport emitted 1.776 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2020. Yet 45% of all goods transported by road in Europe travel less than 300km.

From Nordborg, the amp-happy motorists crossed into Germany, reaching the Netherlands for an overnight stop.

“For a large number of journeys, there’s no reason for range anxiety”, said Christensen. “And electrification of heavy transport will make a significant contribution to the green transition.”

All aspects of the e-effusion functioned on amps and coulombs. Truckers relied on power from the EVs for their overnight stays, including barbecuing meat on electric grills.

Lurking amid the Lurpak, one or two drivers breakfasted the next morning on Danissssshhh fried “bacon og æg”. Translation available here.

The E-expedition pushed south into Belgium and then to Le Mans, south-west of Paris.

“We are 115 participants who love motorsport and cars”, said Jan Darville, GodEnergi’s CEO, speaking with e-ebullience.

“At the same time we want to prove it is possible to cover long distances in electric vehicles. The technology and the opportunities are there. We are pleased to be joined by Danfoss and their electric truck since their company is famous for their electrification solutions”.

Normally Danfoss’ E-truck serves internal ferrying only, carrying loads between the engineering firm’s factories and warehouses.

Chief among enhancements from Danfoss’ portfolio added to the 20-tonne truck included the firm’s ED3 onboard charger and power supply, as fitted to Volvo’s electric trucks.  The device speeds overnight charging from standard AC mains, a key enabler in electrifying heavy road transport. The ED3’s 43 kW rating allows recharging within 9 hours from conventional C sockets. Capital costs to truck stop operators can thus be minimised.

The ED3 also acts drives power-consuming auxiliary functions such as refrigeration in trailers and compactors on refuse trucks.

“For best productivity, charging infrastructure should be established at locations such as freight terminals, so that loading time is equal to charging time”, Christensen went on.

Aarhus, in the middle of our street

As Jerry Garcia og Bob Weir sang – though not in Danish – in “de Taknemmelig Død’’’s anthemic song ‘Trucking’;

“Sikke en lang, mærkelig tur det har været!” / “What a long, strange trip it’s been”.

In other news in the European Championships 2024, Denmark kick off against England in their top-of-Group-C clash in Frankfurt on Thursday 20 June. Kick-off is 17:00 hrs UK time.

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While firms charge ahead in decarbonising their commercial fleets by installing on-site EV power points, – with some offering facilities to the wider public – , a new survey from Believ quantifies both take-up & its obstacles across some key sectors of business.

Six million commercial vehicles travel Britain’s roads each year. As of spring 2024 though, only 1% of vans, 8% of company cars, and fewer than 1% of HGVs are electric.  Increasing this proportion is a vital part of achieving the government’s Net Zero ambition by 2050.

The trading name of Liberty Charge, Believ feeds pure renewable electricity into its devices.

Its new poll of more than 200 brands & organisations finds that 88% are already installing EV charging points. Over half – 57% – plan to double their existing points and/or charging capacity by 2028, driven by a desire reduce CO2 emissions and fulfil wider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Nearly 70% of the survey’s respondents say they understand the advantage of having their own charging facilities to attract new customers. A fraction more – 72% –  are mindful of charging revenues to recoup the costs of upfront installation. Stores, hospitality hubs such as restaurants and bars and other leisure attractions head these early-adopters.

But this strong motivation is snagged, say Believ’s respondents, by major hurdles.

Seven out of ten of them say projects are delayed by the slow pace, high cost and complexity of working with electricity companies to upgrade the local power supply feeding intended EV points. 11% categorise DNOs as a “significant barrier”.

The same share of firms, particularly chains operating dispersed outlets, complain that navigating inconsistent planning laws across the country is complex and confusing. Over a quarter, 27%, struggle to received sufficient support from councils, themselves often over-stretched. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of businesses say they need specialist help, such as paying planning consultants.

If businesses can speed up installation of their own on-site charge points, then they would reduce their partial (58%) or total (14%) reliance on grid-enabled national networks, the survey finds.

Some respondents told Believ’s pollsters that sales or delivery vehicles now spend more time charging or travelling to charge points than being used productively. Almost one-fifth, 17%, were concerned about missing deliveries or meeting deadlines.

The additional fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear and planning to optimise travel routes are also increasing operational costs, at a time when they should – and need – to be falling.

Greater collaboration is needed between the public & private sectors, according to Believ CEO Guy Bartlett

“Businesses are being thwarted by factors where greater collaboration with charge point operators (CPOs) would help accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure”, said Bartlett.

“The best CPOs have the knowledge and expertise which many businesses seek about installing charge points and navigating the complexities of planning laws across the country”, Bartlett reasoned.

National & local government can also help solve many issues that businesses face, such as easing access to the national grid and better targeted funding for national public charging infrastructure to areas that are not commercially viable.

The Believ boss went on: “The national government’s promises, such as the £70m investment at COP28, however, and the national rapid charging network are yet to be delivered and are needed urgently. We must act now to facilitate sustainable transport and deliver cleaner air for all.”

Believ’s researchers polled 255 decision makers in sectors including car park operators & higher education.  Read the research here.

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The charge point operator has completed the purchase of a freehold near the Phoenix Retail Park in Paisley, and planning permission has been granted to install the 300kW public charge points.

It will be situated just off the A737, a short drive from the M8 motorway, and close to a Showcase Cinema and McDonald’s restaurant.

This is the second time Osprey Charging has completed the purchase of a freehold site, following the Salmon’s Leap hub in Devon, which opened last year.

Osprey expects to announce further site acquisitions throughout the summer.

Its network of public EV chargers continues to grow rapidly, and now encompasses more than 1,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers in key urban and rural locations across the UK.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said, “The purchase of freehold sites is an important strategy for Osprey, as it enables us to build larger public charging locations with greater flexibility over their design.

“This hub will be crucial in supporting the uptake of EVs in Scotland as well as in meeting growing demand for reliable, accessible and high-quality EV charging across the UK.

“In 2024, we have successfully delivered nine high-powered hubs across various UK locations, and the new Paisley hub opposite the Phoenix Retail Park will be another significant milestone in our rapidly expanding network.

“As the year progresses, our goal is to complete 30 hubs, which will be a monumental stride not only in the advancement of our network but also in fortifying the broader public EV charging infrastructure.”

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Under the scheme, all Smart Charge customers with active Nectar accounts will be able to charge their EV and collect points, collecting one Nectar point for every pound spent.

Nectar is the UK’s largest multi partner loyalty scheme offering users the ability to spend points at brands including Sainsbury’s, Argos and British Airways.

Smart Charge is an ultra-rapid EV charging network with more than 400 charging bays and counting.

The news coincides with the launch of the retailer’s 50th Smart Charge EV charging location, with 12 new bays now available at the Sainsbury’s London Enfield Superstore, just off the A10.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement & EV Ventures, said, “Rolling out across June, customers using any of our 400 Smart Charge bays across the country will now be able to benefit from collecting Nectar points to spend on their favourite brands.

“With bays in more locations than ever before, and Sainsbury’s stores conveniently placed far and wide, it has never been easier for EV drivers across the UK to access ultra-rapid facilities, and now they can reap the benefit of Nectar points too.

“Not to forget the added advantage of popping into a Sainsbury’s store to pick up some groceries while waiting for their vehicle charge to complete.

“Our Enfield store is a fantastic location, in a popular residential area of North London and near main roads, making it an ideal spot for our 50th location.”

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Located on the A303, the new charging hub has ten charging bays served by five charging medium power units – up to 180kW.

To make it as easy as possible for customers to charge their EVs, the hub has both CCS and CHAdeMOconnectors, accepts contactless payment and provides real-time status updates to various EV charging maps.

Teals is a farm-shop in Somerset near Wincanton which includes a food-market, and there is an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch every day.

Gridserve’s Electric Highway now has 190 locations with more than 1,400 charging bays, including 100 charging bays so far this year.

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Gridserve, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Teals onto the Gridserve Electric Highway as our latest Electric Retail Hub with electric car drivers able to charge while visiting the farm shop.

“It’s the perfect location to supplement our existing electric vehicle charging on the busy A303 for those travelling to the South West.”

Ash Sinfield, Founder of Teals, said: “We are excited to now have ten Gridserve charging bays onsite for our guests to charge their vehicles while they are with us.

“At Teals, we can offer a different sort of charging experience, weather it involves taking your dog and kids for a leg stretch around the dog jog or sampling a meal in our restaurant, you can expect to spend your time doing something joyful while you are with us.”

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The charge points, which are compatible with every EV on the market today and typically add 100 miles of range in about 35 minutes, will help customers charge up whilst visiting the shops, cafes and eateries in central Warminster.

These chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards.

Osprey has covered all costs associated with installing and servicing the rapid charging points while sharing the profits, minimising financial risk.

Real Estate Investment Trust NewRiver own and manage of a portfolio of community shopping centres and retail parks across the UK

This announcement is Osprey’s latest partnership in the retail property sector, where the charging business has a five-year track record of installing more than 200 rapid charge points for portfolio owners including Ediston, London & Scottish Investments, M7 Real Estate and Brookhouse Group.

Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging said, “We’re delighted to be working with NewRiver to help future-proof their retail destinations by providing reliable, rapid EV charging for their retailers’ customers.

“This first charging site in Warminster is part of the re-charging network that will enable the decarbonisation of transport in the UK, and NewRiver’s forward-thinking strategy will ensure they stay ahead of the curve by equipping their retail locations to meet growing EV charging demand.”

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The Papilio3 design combines local mains power with solar and is built around a recycled shipping container that can be installed in under eight hours.

It can fast charge 12 EVs at seven, 11 or 22kW simultaneously, ideal for a range of destinations with two to five-hour dwell times, removing the reliance on carbon-intense and costly ultra-rapid charge points.

Pre-fitted with a range of safety features, including motion lighting, CCTV and full accessibility for wheelchair users, Surrey County Council has agreed a three-year hire for Papilio3.

The council will use the facility to charge its growing EV fleet.

Paul Wheadon, Strategic Contract Group Manager for the Council’s Highways and Transport Department said, “With charging capacity up to 22kW, multiple operational vehicles – when not in use – can be charged throughout the day, ensuring vehicles remain operational without the need for long dwell times on low-powered charging options.

“As well as the benefit of generating solar power to charge our fleet, the nature of the structure means we have the flexibility to conveniently relocate the unit elsewhere on the site in the future if needed, unlike with other charging solutions.”

Ben Marchant, CEO at 3ti, said: “The installation of Papilio3 at the council depot centre is enabling the council to expand its electric fleet and deliver on its commitments to securing a greener future by decarbonising the transport sector.”

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