JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 59 www.aftermarketonline.net helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.” Also commenting on the launch of the new trade body, Mark Newberry, Sustainability spokesperson at Europcar Mobility Group UK observed: “It is encouraging to see the sector coming together to invest a predicted £6 billion in the UK infrastructure by 2030. Providing a single industry voice to work alongside the government and drive the changes required to rapidly enhance UK infrastructure is key. The promise of tens of thousands of new chargers installed this year illustrates just how urgent this job is. “It's evident that today, UK employers are already filling the charging gap. Recent research commissioned by Europcar found that more than half of workplaces already provide charging facilities and 52% contribute to the cost of at-home charging for their employees.” The study of 300 fleet and business travel decision makers also found that 88% intend to add workplace charging for employees by the end of 2026. Mark added: “The collaborative approach being adopted by the sector is just what we need to support the government’s ambitious targets for decarbonisation. The industry has made good progress and has the ambition to do much more. It’s now key that this collaboration helps unlock the UK’s EV potential.” Seize the day: ZF invests in mobile fuelling/in-vehicle energy payment platform ZF Aftermarket has teamed up with mobile fuelling and in-vehicle energy payment provider CarPay-Diem as part of its goal of becoming a digital mobility service provider for the fleet market. CarPay-Diem was developed by Luxembourg-based company Kwalyo and was launched in 2019. Since then, over 3 million mobile fuelling transactions have been made through it. CarPay-Diem is now in the process of building a network of fuel stations and EV chargers for mobile transactions. According to Kwalyo CEO Frédéric Stiernon, teaming up with ZF will take CarPay-Diem to the next level: “ZF brings CarPay-Diem an access to thousands of connected vehicles across Europe, that will render important savings on fuel expenses – thanks to the winning combination of ZF telematics and the CarPay-Diem services.” Phillippe Colpron, Head of ZF Aftermarket and Executive Vice President ZF Group, added: “For ZF, the investment in a digital energy payment system is an essential enhancement to the already active data sources we have, in order to develop further valuable services for our fleet customers – together with our partners.” EV cable theft on the rise warns WAI EV cable theft is a growing trend in the UK, and garages may need to help EV owners who have had their cables pinched, WAI has warned. Cables can be sold on as scrap, much like other components like catalytic converters. The AA has also reported that there is a growing online market for stolen cables that can be sold on for re-use. Cable damage or loss is the most major concern for EV drivers, the AA also reported. WAI M.D Richard Welland commented: “It’s important for EV drivers to think about charging cable security. It’s best to keep them stored or locked out of sight to stop opportunistic criminals seeing them and breaking into a vehicle to steal them.” WAI introduced an EV extension cable range to its product portfolio in 2021. For more information, visit: www.waiglobal.com Lookers installs on-site EV charging via Egg Dealer group Lookers has teamed up with sustainable energy provider Egg to install EV charging infrastructure across its network. The chargers set to be fitted include fast 7 kWh AC units as well as rapid 150 kWh DC chargers. Chief Operations Director at Lookers Duncan McPhee said: “Our partnership with Egg underlines our commitment to supporting customers and make a seamless, confident transition towards an all-electric, sustainable driving future. It is backed by the best advice and expertise and unrivalled choice and value – and underpinned by world class, customer-ready EV infrastructure available right across our network.” Mike Hallam, Chief Revenue Officer at Egg, added: “As well as keeping stock powered up, on-site EV chargers allow vendors to demonstrate charging in action and highlight the features of various models, whilst our solar and storage solutions give customers, interested in transitioning to clean energy, the opportunity to understand the practicalities of keeping that vehicle running.” Into the Electroverse: New business EV charging solution launched With the ability to charge a major stumbling block for prospective EV users, a new EV charging solution for businesses running fleets has been launched within Octopus Energy’s Electroverse offering. The Electroverse EV roaming service app gives users access to pay at more than 430,000 public charge points from over 470 providers. Drivers will also be able to access Electroverse’s features including an interactive charger map showing availability and a route-planner. For the business version, companies will be able view and download charging history, with all charges on a single consolidated invoice. Commenting on the launch, Director of Octopus Electroverse Matt Davies said: “Electroverse is revolutionising EV public charging, with just one card and app to use with hundreds of charge point brands. With access to over 430,000 public charge points, we’re over the moon to now bring our simple and seamless EV charging solution to businesses. This will be a game-changer for companies making the switch and will help them manage their EVs easier than ever before.” For more information, visit: https://electroverse.octopus.ener gy/business
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