Energy group Drax has become the latest supplier to take aim at the UK’s nascent EV market, launching an end-to-end EV service targeting C&I customers.
Haven Power, Drax’s energy supply division, has launched the service which comprises EV charging infrastructure installs, operating software, vehicle leasing and renewable electricity supply.
Telematic systems which provide enhanced monitoring of electric vehicles will also be supplied, paving the way for vehicle-to-grid charging trials within Drax’s customer base.
The group has already enlisted its first customer, SES Water, which has taken on 16 new EV charging points to support the electrification of its fleet. SES Water is to initially replace 10 of its diesel vans with electric alternatives.
Drax’s service will help SES determine which vehicles and systems suit the company best, while also providing analysis of different charging methods to minimise fleet downtime and maximise their efficiency.
Jonathan Kini, chief executive at Drax Retail, said that the firm’s experience in the supply market had taught it that a ‘one size fits all’ approach will not deliver what’s necessary for companies looking to electrify their fleets.
“Instead, we are working with customers like SES Water as an energy partner, to offer each of them a solution tailored to their specific needs. Giving them the optimal EV package will result in lower carbon emissions and costs, helping them to grow better businesses.”
Drax isn’t the first energy supplier to launch an EV proposition under the premise of it being end-to-end. Late last year ScottishPower unveiled a similarly-billed service using a partnership with vehicle dealership Arnold Clark.
And in January Centrica established an e-mobility division to house its EV-dedicated teams, following its investment in Israeli EV service provider Driivz.