Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure company Gridserve has announced the launch of its first app, designed to assist EV drivers in locating charge points, managing payments, and accessing real-time charging data. This innovative step marks a significant enhancement in the user experience for EV motorists and aligns with Gridserve's broader mission of achieving net-zero transport.
A Step Towards Net Zero
Gridserve operates renewables-powered 'Electric Forecourts' and 'Electric Charging Super Hubs' across the UK. The introduction of the app is seen as a crucial move towards their goal of net-zero transport. "This state-of-the-art technology creates the roadmap for continued advancements that can be made quickly to meet future needs and empower EV drivers even more," said Rob Borley, Chief Executive at Dootrix, the Microsoft Azure specialist collaborating with Gridserve on this project since 2019.
The Features and Functionality
The app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, provides users with the ability to find the optimal charging locations using navigation tools such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. It covers over 190 locations in the Gridserve 'Electric Highway,' which includes Electric Forecourts, Electric Super Hubs at motorway service areas, and Electric Retail Hubs.
"This is made possible by a very strong technical connection to the chargers themselves; real-time data from the chargers enables the app to build charging curves of the number of kilowatts that are being delivered to the vehicle throughout the charging session," Borley added.
How Will This Enhance User Experience?
Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Gridserve, emphasized the app's potential to improve customer satisfaction. "200,000 charging sessions are recorded on the Gridserve Electric Highway every month, and the new app will make those charging sessions even easier," Trebble noted. "We have listened to our users and made it easier to receive receipts as we look to constantly improve our service. With 20 percent off charging across our locations this summer, it's the perfect time to utilize the network and the app for a summer adventure."
Industry Collaboration
In related news, charge point operator Believ has announced a partnership with the Octopus Electroverse charging platform to enhance accessibility for EV drivers. This collaboration allows drivers to access Believ's expanding network of EV charge points through Octopus Energy's Electroverse platform, which follows a 'one-card, one-app' model to streamline access to "hundreds of thousands" of charge points from various networks.
Guy Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer at Believ, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration. "As an increasing number of drivers transition to EVs, we are committed to ensuring that charge points are reliable and accessible for all," Bartlett stated. "Through partnering with Octopus Electroverse, we take another stride toward achieving this and in playing our part to help decarbonize UK roads."
Conclusion
The launch of Gridserve's new app represents a significant milestone in the journey towards more accessible and efficient EV charging solutions. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering industry partnerships, Gridserve is poised to enhance the overall EV driving experience and contribute meaningfully to the global push for sustainable transportation.
