Centrica launch EV charging project for businesses

British Gas owner Centrica have launched a new offer to help businesses install solar and battery storage to accommodate electric vehicle (EV) charging needs. They say that businesses will be able to better manage the demands of EV ownership by generating, storing and managing their own on site energy supply.

As well as helping companies plan and prepare for the move to EVs, Centrica are offering a package of solutions including solar, battery storage and Demand Side Response technology. These are all aimed at helping businesses effectively manage the additional power demands of EV fleets on their consumption overall, and to make the move to EV in a sustainable, economical way.

Many suppliers are starting to roll out special EV tariffs and support for the installation of EV chargers, in a bid to help both business and domestic customers go green with their vehicles. However, Centrica want to take things one step further.

Their distributed energy and power business, Centrica Business Solutions, has announced the launch of a new EV offer designed to help businesses get into a stronger position as they electrify their fleet. As well as support with installation of EV charging points, Centrica are offering a package of support and measures to help them meet additional power demands in an economical way.

Dubbed ‘EV Enablement’, the package of solutions include support for integration of EV chargers with their existing energy infrastructure, local energy management solutions, battery storage technology and solar for generating electricity on site.

The package has been developed in response to the rapidly growing EV market in the UK, which is estimated to potentially require an additional 18GW of electricity supply nationally by 2050. Centrica’s research has shown that more than 75% of businesses are planning to move towards EVs in the near future, but that 43% have not assessed the impact of this in terms of additional energy demand.

Centrica say that their package of support under EV Enablement will help to solve the complex problems that businesses are faced with when switching over to EVs for their fleet. Their support includes:

• Supplier for all EV needs : Centrica want to become a one-stop-shop for all EV requirements, from strategic support to accessing components and bespoke support packages designed for individual site’s needs.
• Managed services from start to finish : From planning the fleet transition strategically and securing finance for infrastructure upgrades, right through to software and apps for drivers as well as operational support, Centrica say they will help manage the EV switch from end to end.
• Integration of renewables : Businesses will be able to optimise their energy consumption for EVs through the use of on site renewables and battery storage technology. They can also unlock additional flexibility and additional revenue through Centrica’s Demand Side Response (DSR) technology.

Centrica promise hands on support from experts throughout the process to help businesses transition to a low carbon transport strategy. Jorge Pikunic, Managing Director, Centrica Business Solutions, is quoted on their site as saying:

“Centrica has begun electrifying its fleet of 14,000 vehicles, and we have learnt a lot about how to take full advantage of the opportunity. We are using our own experience to help make the transition to electric vehicles simpler, faster and more cost-effective for our customers.”

Centrica have also become the first energy supply company to join the Go Ultra Low campaign. This campaign aims to help UK motorists and organisations better understand the benefits of EVs. It brings together the government, a consortium of vehicle manufacturers as well as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.