Current± summarises the top electric vehicle (EV) stories from this week and last below – from charging app launches to Octopus expanding its EV charging offerings.
Octopus EV charging solution now available for businesses

Octopus Energy’s Electroverse has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) charging solution to cater for businesses.
The product – which opens for businesses today, initially targeting SMEs – will allow businesses to manage their EV fleets using a one-stop online platform.
Through the platform, businesses will be able to view and download charging history details as well as access a full overview of its EV chargers.
The Electroverse roaming service app will also grant access to 430,000 public chargepoints from more than 470 brands globally.
Earlier this year, Electroverse launched its Plug & Charge technology, offering its customers a Tesla-like charging experience.
“Electroverse is revolutionising EV public charging, with just one card and app to use with hundreds of charge point brands,” said Matt Davies, director of Octopus Electroverse.
“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.”
The launch follows the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that April 2023 saw battery EVs remain the second most popular fuel type.
New British Gas partnership to offer flexible home charging

British Gas has partnered with the car leasing provider, Carparison, to offer customers an exclusive discount when buying an EV charger.
Following the partnership, Carparison customers will only have to pay £49 upfront for the 7.4kW Alfen Eve Single S-line charger, with £860 to pay after the installation.
Customers will also have the option to pay in instalments with 0% APR, paying £90.90 a month over 10 months.
“At British Gas, we’re very excited to have teamed up with Carparison to offer home charge points helping their customers make the transition to EV as smooth and simple as possible,” said John Allen, senior EV business development manager at British Gas.
“Through our partnership, we are combining fantastic vehicle propositions from Carparison with great energy and carbon-saving technology from our Hive controlled chargers installed by our trusted British Gas Net Zero Engineers.”
Fastned launches Apple CarPlay app

The European fast charging company, Fastned, has launched a new EV-charging-station-finding Apple CarPlay app – the “most asked-for feature” by its customers.
The launch will mean that Fastned customers with iOS and a compatible EV will be able to find Fastned stations, check pricing and charger availability through their EV’s infotainment system.
“The launch of the Fastned Apple CarPlay app is an important milestone for Fastned. We are happy to contribute to safer and more convenient electric driving by being only a touch away from the drivers’ needs, directly at their infotainment screen”, said Robin Wouters, Director of Product and Engineering at Fastned.
“The app has been developed in Apple’s closed environment, in line with Apple’s requirements. Our team continues gathering and processing customers’ feedback to further improve the user experience.”
Earlier this year, Fastned opened its first ultra-rapid EV charging station offering eight charging bays of up to 300kW power in the North-East.
Zest provides EV charging for Surrey apartments

The EV charging network operator Zest has provided EV chargepoints for the residents of the Banstead Wood Development in Surrey.
Following the partnership, Zest will provide long-term management and maintenance of the new chargepoints.
At present there are five new chargepoints installed, with numbers set to increase as demand increases.
Formerly a stately home and hospital site, the Banstead Wood Development holds over 100 apartments.
“It’s exciting for us to see EV chargers here at Banstead Wood. Our new EV installation is neat, complies with all requirements in our specialist development, and the residents are very pleased with it. From start to finish, Zest have been a delight to work with, and the installation team have been nothing but excellent, holding our hands and explaining things in clear terms, every step of the way,” said Debbie Flint, director of the Banstead Wood Development.
“People are re-evaluating every part of the built environment based on the quality and abundance of its EV infrastructure,” said Zest CEO, Robin Heap. “Our solution is a natural fit for Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) because it takes away all the costs and risks, provides a reliable service for residents, and increases the overall value of the development.”
Zest has secured a number of new partnerships this year, including one with Hackney Council to supply the borough with over 2,500 chargepoints and another with Transport for London to install 39 chargepoints in South London.