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Category Archives: BP Chargemaster
![An electric vehicle [Renault ZOE] is charged with photovoltaic power from the roof of the house using a charging station (Image: Fraunhofer ISE)](https://fuelincluded.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/151104130050_Renault_ZOE-charging_Fraunhofer-604x270.jpg)
Renault ZOE Benefits from Free Home Fast-Charger
- Renault ZOE customers continue to receive a free fast-charging wallbox
- Wallbox adds to Renault ZOE’s ease of ownership
- Offer is unique in the UK electric vehicle market place
- Represents a customer saving of nearly £500
- Renault ZOE attracts maximum £4,500 support in new PiCG categories
![An electric vehicle [Renault ZOE] is charged with photovoltaic power from the roof of the house using a charging station (Image: Fraunhofer ISE)](http://fuelincluded.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/151104130050_Renault_ZOE-charging_Fraunhofer.jpg)
Available to retail customers, the 7kW charging wallbox is supplied and installed by Renault’s partner, Chargemaster, at the customer’s domestic address as part of the price of the Renault ZOE. Chargemaster is the UK’s most successful supplier and operator of charging equipment, having shipped more than 45,000 charging points in the last five years across the UK and nine European countries from its dedicated UK-based manufacturing facilities. This offer is unique in the UK electric vehicle market place and tops-up the Government grant towards a domestic charger, saving the customer nearly £500.
As of 1st March 2016, the Office Low Emission Vehicles has revised the PiCG support for the three pre-existing categories2 and now gives the greatest financial incentive to vehicles that emit 0g/km CO2 and have a zero emission range of 70 miles or over. ZOE is in category 1 as it exceeds these criteria and therefore attracts the maximum £4,500 support level. Vehicles in categories 2 and 3 now receive £2,500 – under the previous PiCG rules all categories received the same £5,000 amount.
The Chargemaster 7kW Homecharge unit allows ZOE owners to charge their vehicle from flat to full in 3-4 hours at their home. Using the My ZE Inter@ctive timer app customers are able to schedule the time that ZOE is charged and benefit from significantly lower off-peak electricity prices.
Ben Fletcher, Electric Vehicle Product Manager, Groupe Renault UK, commented:
“The Electric Vehicle market is growing at an unprecedented rate, and a big part of that is customers discovering just how cost-effective and easy to live with these cars are. By continuing to provide a home-charging unit installed at the customer’s address, we’re able to ensure that these points are even stronger for the ZOE than the competition, with customers able to fully charge in just 3-4 hours at home as standard.”
ZOE is fitted with a patented Chameleon™ charger that, unlike other EVs, always allows ZOE to make the best use of whatever charging supply is available in order to speed up charging times. ZOE Dynamique Nav Rapid Charge can charge at up to 43kW, meaning that 0 to 80 per cent full can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes, depending on version. ZOE customers benefit from six months’ free membership to the POLAR Plus network, the UK’s largest public network offering access to over 4,000 charging points that span from 3kW-22kW. The ZOE is also able to make full use of nearly 600 rapid AC chargers installed at key nationwide locations, such as motorway service stations.
The ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in three trim levels that comes with a high level of standard specification, including items such as climate control and sat-nav. ZOE also has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and was recently awarded the title of What Car? ‘Best Electric Car for less than £20,000’ for the third consecutive year, and ‘Best Electric Vehicle’ in the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey.
The model’s official NEDC range is up to 149 miles – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 106 miles in summer and 71 miles in winter.
ZOE is available to purchase in two ways. Firstly, under a battery hire scheme, where ZOE pricing starts at £13,945 after the Government Plug-in Car Grant with battery leasing from £45 per month. Benefits include a lifetime performance guarantee for the battery and 24/7 roadside assistance – even if you run out of charge.
You can also buy your ZOE outright. ZOE i ‘full purchase’ models start from £18,945 after the Government Plug-in Car Grant, giving the buyer full ownership of the car and battery and no monthly battery lease payment.
Selected ZOE models are also currently available with a number of Renault Selections PCP, hire purchase and cash purchase offers.
Renault offers a range of electric vehicles to suit private and commercial requirements. In addition to the ZOE hatchback, the Renault EV range comprises of the innovative, two-seater Twizy city car, Twizy Cargo that offers a load area of 180 litres and a useful 75 kg payload, and the Kangoo Z.E and Kangoo Maxi Z.E vans that combine the same generous load capacity and options as the equivalent diesel versions with ultra-low running costs.
In 2015, Renault was the European market leader for electric cars, with ZOE, and with electric vans, with Kangoo Van Z.E., and sold a total of 23,086 units EVs (including Twizy).
In the UK, 2015 ZOE sales more than doubled (up by 102 per cent) to 2,053 vehicles, significantly outpacing the UK electric vehicle market, which was up 48 per cent on 2014. ZOE is the second best-selling electric car in the UK representing one in five EVs sold.
Source: Renault Press Release
UK HOTELS TO INSTALL CHARGERS
Novotel and Ibis hotels in the UK will this year begin installing electric vehicle charging points which will be available to guests free of charge.
The announcement was made by AccorHotels, a French hotel operator of nearly 3,800 hotels worldwide.
Accor is collaborating with Chargemaster on the installation, and says the power points will incorporate the latest technology enabling drivers to replenish their vehicle batteries – either 7kw or 22kw – in one hour. They can charge both 7-kilowatt and 22-kilowatt batteries.
Accor managing director for the UK and Ireland, Thomas Dubaere, said that AccorHotels recognises that some of its customers are embracing low-emission vehicles and, consequently, charging points would be installed at its affiliated premises across the UK.
Source: Bodyshop Mag
Electric vehicle charging points to be installed at Novotel and Ibis hotels
Chargemaster is to install EV charging points at AccorHotels Ibis and Novotel hotels across the UK.
The first phase, in 2016, will see 60 hotels receive EV charging points as part of Chargemaster’s Polar network. The charging points will be free to use for Ibis and Novotel visitors to charge their electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The charging points will be 22kW or 7kW fast chargers, enabling electric cars to be charged in 60 minutes.
However, residents are likely to take full advantage of the facility for charging their EVs overnight.
Chargemaster CEO David Martell said:
“This is a major step forward in the provision of destination charging in the UK. Hotels are one of the obvious locations where EV drivers have a fundamental need for charging facilities and we are delighted to work with AccorHotels to achieve this.”
He added: “We expect hotels to adopt electric vehicle charging as a customer service in the same way that they have provided wifi across the board.”
Thomas Dubaere, managing director of AccorHotels UK and Ireland said:
“As a leading operators of hotels across the UK, we are always looking at ways to enhance and improve facilities for our guests.
“We recognise that many of our customers are adopting low-emission vehicles and we need to provide charging points at our hotels to accommodate them.
“In providing a national rollout of this service, AccorHotels continues to lead the field in customer service and our commitment to sustainable development.”
AccorHotels is the first major hotel chain to recognise the increasing need to install charging points to accommodate the growing population of business and leisure motorists using low-emission vehicles to visit their hotels.
Source: Fleet News
Ultracharger launched by Chargemaster
Chargemaster launched its new Ultracharger at the CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle 2015 event (Wednesday 9th September), with a host of new innovations for the rapid charger.
The Ultracharger can use Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to automatically authorise and start charging a car that has been logged into the system. The unit can also be used with an RFID card or even by using a contactless debit or credit card.
Featuring a lightweight and compact design, the unit will not need planning permission in many cases, and a large touchscreen will help make the user interface accessible. The system can also be set up to send a text message to drivers, letting them know when their charge is complete.
The Ultracharger’s three cable design has been designed to be compatible with all EVs on the market in the UK that charge up to 50kW and is also able to retract the cables to keep the unit tidy.
Chargemaster CEO David Martell said:
“We’ve always been at the forefront of electric vehicle charging, and we’re proud to unveil the Ultracharger, which takes the industry a massive step forward in terms of modernisation.
“We are proud to be able to manufacture these in the UK, supporting the local economy, while offering high-quality good-value rapid chargers to the electric vehicle market. With a host of innovations, such as automatic number plate recognition and contactless payments, the Ultracharger will make life even easier for EV owners.”
Business Minister Anna Soubry, who unveiled the new Ultracharger, said:
“Research and development is vital to the long-term productivity and growth of our successful automotive industry, and will help companies secure a big share of growing international markets like low carbon and electric vehicles. Ultracharger is a good example of this and I am delighted to unveil it at LCV 2015.”
Source: Zap-map
New membership scheme announced by Chargemaster
Chargemaster, the largest operator of electric vehicle charging points in the UK, has confirmed a new subscription scheme called POLAR Plus, which will also offer members the chance to borrow the latest luxury electric cars.
The expanding POLAR London and POLAR national network of over 4,000 charging points will be available to any electric motorist for a monthly subscription of just £7.85 – similar to popular streaming services Netflix or Amazon Instant – and the first six months’ subscription is free.
Over 80% of the POLAR Plus charging points are free to use, with remaining points charged at the equivalent of 9p per unit of electricity* – typically less than the cost of charging at home. A pay-as-you-go instant access rate will also be available for non-members. These new tariffs make a significant difference for EV drivers especially on rapid chargers where members can charge an electric car to 80% capacity in around 20 minutes in all POLAR rapid locations at a cost of about £2 when previously it would cost around £6. A key feature of the membership scheme is the opportunity to borrow, for one week, a selection of the latest electric cars, with members accruing usage points.
The POLAR Experience fleet includes the BMW i8 and Tesla Model S, as well as Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe and the fun Renault Twizy. Users receive 10 POLAR points each time they charge in a particular town or city across the country each month. 10 points enable you to use a Renault Twizy and 100 points results in driving a BMW i8. As new models are launched, including the Tesla Model X SUV and vehicles from Audi and Mercedes, they will be available for members to sample shortly after their introduction in the UK.
David Martell, Chief Executive of Chargemaster, commented:
“POLAR Plus is a hugely attractive position to the growing population of electric motorists across the country and in particular the heavy user. Electric vehicle usage has more than trebled over the last year and now is the time for there to be an expanding robust nationwide charging network. Not only will EV motorists gain access to a national network of serviceable, state of the art charging points but they will be able to sample all the latest in electric car technology.
“We find that once converted to ultra-low emission motoring, people tend not to return to high-emission pure internal combustion engine cars.”
Membership scheme follows recent expansion announcement The announcement follows a multi-million pound investment commitment from the firm to install an additional 2000 plus new charging points across the country alongside its existing 4000 POLAR points, including 1000 new charging points in London. Charging points will be located at convenient destinations for EV drivers such as hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and sports facilities. In addition, Chargemaster has offered to replace any faulty public charging points from other manufacturers at no cost to local authority hosts. This aims to resolve significant issues across the UK where old third-party charging points installed under the government-funded Plugged in Places scheme have been unserviceable for some time.
Chargemaster has also recently completed an agreement to take over the Plugged in Midlands (PiM) network of 870 charging points. All publicly available PiM points will be added to the POLAR Plus network over the next few weeks. The firm has also committed to adding over 100 new charging points in the Midlands. POLAR Plus membership will be available from August 17th and EV drivers can join on line at www.polar-network.com.
Source: Chargemaster
Lower cost electric vehicle charging in Milton Keynes
This is hopefully a good sign that drivers’ concerns over high charging costs are being listened to.
Milton Keynes Council and Chargemaster have announced an improved vehicle charging network, offering upgraded charging points and reduced costs for electric vehicle owners in the borough.
Chargemaster, as Milton Keynes’ electric vehicle charging partner, has significantly reduced costs of charging private and company electric cars in the city, with prices now lower than the typical cost of charging at home.
The new POLAR Plus subscription scheme has a usage rate of just 9p per kWh with effect from August 10th, 2015 and applies to over 200 charging points in Milton Keynes including 50 rapid chargers recently installed under a government-funded scheme.
This compares with a typical home electricity rate of approximately 11p per kWh.
Membership of POLAR Plus costs £7.85 per month – similar to popular streaming services Netflix or Amazon Instant – and the first six months’ subscription is free.
Membership gives EV drivers unlimited access to over 4000 POLAR charging points across the country.
In addition, members can accrue usage points, enabling them to borrow, for one week, a range of electric cars through POLAR EXPERIENCE. This fleet includes the BMW i8 and Tesla Model S, as well as Nissan LEAF, Renault ZOE and the fun Renault Twizy.
In future, new EVs launching, including the Tesla Model X SUV and vehicles from Audi and Mercedes, will be available for members to sample shortly after their introduction.
Milton Keynes has already established itself as an extremely convenient location to own an electric car with more rapid chargers than any other city in Europe.
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Milton Keynes Mayor Keith McLean, who test drove the BMW i8 this week, said:
“Electric cars are truly here to stay now with virtually every car manufacturer bringing out new plug-in models. I am proud that Milton Keynes now has such great facilities to encourage low emission vehicles.”
Read more: One MK
Chargemaster buys GB Electrical
Some consolidation is happening in the charging point market
A 70-strong business headquartered in Hereford has been acquired by a manufacturer of charging points for electric vehicles.
GB Electrical, which installs electric vehicle charging points across the country, has been bought by Chargemaster, a Luton-based business that designs, develops and manufactures the equipment.
To date, the company has used a number of external subcontractors for its installation work and this acquisition will enable it to increase its capacity and quality of installation service.
Chargemaster chief executive David Martell said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our customers a seamless end-to-end service. GB Electrical has many years’ experience in the EV market and offer a national footprint enabling us to provide the highest level of service while offering customers unrivalled value for money.”
Terry Pickering, managing director of GB Electrical, added: “We have been working with Chargemaster for some years now and, as market leader, we have been impressed with the reliability of their equipment and the ease of installation.
“This deal means we can benefit from being part of a leading UK firm, both financially and from an administrative point of view. We’ve been impressed with the help and commitment by sales and back office staff, and I’m excited that my entire workforce has a guaranteed future with the company due to its unique market position.”
The financial value of the deal was undisclosed.
New London Fire Brigade electric car charge points
An interesting development – public charging points at fire stations. Presumably intended for visitors rather than passing members of the public?
Chargemaster, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of electric vehicle charging equipment, has completed the installation of 156 charging points at 71 fire stations and five other Brigade sites across London.
The charging points have been installed to support the London Fire Brigade’s growing fleet of electric support vehicles and 18 of the points in 9 locations are also available for public use.
As part of the Brigade’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the organisation selected Chargemaster’s popular twin socket fast charging units that can supply charge at a rate of up to 22kW.
Members of the public can use the charge points at Croydon, East Ham, Edmonton, Finchley, Hainault, Harold Hill, Hornsey, Ilford and New Malden fire stations, and can register for access and unlock the charging points on the spot via their smartphone.
The charging points are part of Chargemaster’s POLAR network, one of the largest in the country with over 4,000 publicly available charging points, which have a reliability and availability record of more than 99% according to Chargemaster.
Government funding contributed 75 per cent to the total cost of installing the charging points, while the remaining cost was covered by Chargemaster, which was appointed following a competitive tender to install and manage the charging point sockets.
Speaking about the co-funding deal between Chargemaster and the Department for Transport, Transport Minister Andrew Jones, commented:
“I want cleaner, greener cars across the capital and this money will make a real difference.
“The Department for Transport’s funding for the 156 new charge points will make it easier for people to use these increasingly popular low emission vehicles. It is an example of Britain leading the way in developing sustainable transport options that are accessible to everyone.”
Chargemaster CEO, David Martell, said:
“We are pleased to have worked with London Fire Brigade and to have invested in partnership with Government to expand the charging network available to electric vehicle users in the city.
“All charge points were installed on schedule and are now part of the UK’s most reliable charging network. We are committed to increasing the uptake of electric motoring in the UK and to make it as convenient as possible for motorists.”
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson, said:
“I am delighted the Brigade’s electric vehicle charge points have been installed across London and are now ready for use by both Brigade staff and members of the public.
“Electric cars offer big environmental benefits and play an important part in keeping London clean. The new charging network not only makes it easy and convenient to charge up a car’s battery making electric cars easier to use, but also reaffirms London Fire Brigade’s commitment to lead on sustainability in the fire service and reducing our impact on the environment.”
The Brigade currently uses five electric cars through its lease car scheme and hopes to have a further five in its fleet towards the end of year, as a result of additional government funding secured from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
To view all the EV charging infrastructure available to the public in the UK, including the 9 installed at London Fire Brigade sites, go to Zap-Map.com.
Source: Next Green Car
High demand for free electric car loan to Milton Keynes businesses
After Milton Keynes Council’s electric vehicle partner Chargemaster Plc announced that it was offering a free electric vehicle loan service to Milton Keynes businesses – the company has seen a surge of interest, with the vehicles now being in ‘high demand.’
Chargemaster has a small fleet of electric vehicles (EV) that can be loaned to companies (and their staff) within Milton Keynes to allow them to experience an electric vehicle for themselves and to see what the benefits of electric motoring are.
A Renault Zoe and two Nissan Leafs are available for loan to MK companies. No charges are levied and companies have the free use of over 200 charging points in the Milton Keynes area including 56 rapid chargers which recharge these cars in less than 30mins.
Loan cars are available typically for two weeks at a time and are subject to availability on a first come first served basis.
Chargemaster require copies of drivers’ driving licences but otherwise there is no formal paperwork to complete.
This is a great way for companies to sample the benefits of EVs for themselves without having to buy a vehicle first.
With over 20 electric cars on the market from manufacturers such as BMW, VW, Audi, Renault and Nissan, there is a lot more choice within the EV market.
Over the next five years it is predicted that EVs are likely to become the mainstream vehicle with virtually every car manufacturer producing either plug-in hybrids or pure electric EVs with increasing range of over 150 miles.
Electric vehicles provide huge benefits such as low fuel costs, quieter engines and low emissions which will improve air quality in the city.
There are also considerable economic benefits for both companies and employees with very low benefit in kind taxes.
For further information contact Trevor via email (sales@fuelincluded.com).