New DRIVE ENERGI charging network: 2,500 stations announced

BOX ENERGI - an investor in energy and e-mobility projects - has signed a deal with charger manufacturer Tritium to deliver its DRIVE ENERGI charging network in the UK.

The firm is promising 2,500 new charging stations by 2025, with each location featuring up to two DC chargers capable of 50kW.

At the rate, the company says drivers will be able to add more than three times the range needed for the average daily commute in as little as 20 minutes.

The DRIVE ENERGI network will be a mix of public and private charging stations: the company says it will work with retail chains and large property owners, as well as provide “a convenient service” for commercial fleet operators.

DRIVE ENERGI CEO James Moat said: “We chose to work with Tritium because its technology is proven and its chargers are reliable, robust and trustworthy

“These chargers are not only the fastest and most advanced in their class, but incredibly easy to use and, with the world’s smallest physical footprint, to deploy as well – particularly in our cities and high-density areas where space is increasingly limited.”

DRIVE ENERGI is aiming to have 100 sites in operation by January 2020, and has plans to expand into Europe, Canada and Australia. 24-hour support will be available should drivers encounter a problem while charging.

The network will use Tritium’s Veefil-RT 50kW DC Rapid Chargers; the company recently signed a deal with IONITY to supply 120 chargers capable of 350kW charging speeds across the latter’s European network.

“As the nation increasingly looks to electrify transportation, and as the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scheme comes into effect, the need for reliable, smart and easy-to-use charging infrastructure is critical,” said Tritium’s business development manager for UK and Republic of Ireland Kevin Pugh.

He added: “DRIVE ENERGI is an exciting addition to the market with a vision to build a new network offering charging confidence with the EV driver’s needs at its core.”