Energy company Centrica is accelerating its EV plans with the creation of a new team that will develop state-of-the-art technology for domestic and business customers.
Centrica Mobility Ventures will work with the company’s international consumer and business units to develop offers that combine energy supply and charging infrastructure services alongside value-add services such as energy optimization and software applications.
Research by the company shows that the total cost of owning an EV compared with a petrol/diesel car over 10 years will reach a tipping point by 2025, with every fifth new car sold globally predicted to be an electric vehicle by 2030. It is estimated that £700bn (US$921m) investment in fleets, batteries, charging infrastructure and technology will be required in the same timeframe.
“The direction of travel for EVs is clear, but we know from talking to our customers and partners that many are struggling to find their way through the implications of roll-out at scale,” says Charles Cameron, Centrica’s director of Technology & Engineering and chairman of Centrica Innovations. “With a global network of over 15,000 engineers and technicians, and expertise in designing and managing energy solutions offered through Centrica Business Solutions, I believe we are uniquely positioned to develop a simple, holistic solution for customers that will address many of the challenges around EV adoption.”
As a first step, the Mobility Ventures team is working with car manufacturers to support their dealership networks on EV readiness, providing end-to-end charging delivery including charger infrastructure, energy management, financing and optimization.
