Calisen and Centrica join forces to accelerate the UK charging network
Centrica is supporting Calisen, a leading energy asset owner and manager of essential energy infrastructure, to accelerate the rollout of accessible charge points for fleets and EV owners across the UK.
The initiative will see the installation of charge points at popular destinations such as car parks, cinemas, gyms and sports stadia, helping to accelerate the UK’s shift toward Net Zero. Calisen will own the chargers whilst Centrica will install and manage them on Calisen’s behalf, providing maintenance and repairs. Centrica’s EV contact centre will provide driver support.
It’s hoped that by eliminating the upfront investment it will encourage more retail and leisure companies to offer their customers EV charging. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimates around 700 chargers need to be installed every day until 2030 in order to provide the infrastructure for a fully electrified transport system.
The initiative will focus on charging for fleets and EV drivers on the go. How fleets will charge is an ongoing concern for many businesses looking to transition to EV. Around two thirds of the British Gas fleet, the UK’s third largest, will be reliant on public charging.
Lucy Simpson, Head of Propositions for EV at Centrica, said, “We are developing a range of solutions to support our fleet and other UK fleets with their need to charge on-route or overnight away from company sites. Our work with Calisen is key to fast tracking the number of public charge points available for fleets and EV drivers alike.”
Centrica and Calisen have a long history of collaboration, having worked together since 2002 on the nationwide smart metering programme for British Gas. The initial projects delivered under the framework will see hub charging locations being installed in the first quarter of 2022.
Sean Latus, Calisen’s Group Chief Executive, said, “Calisen is excited to be developing an EV charging network with the support of Centrica. This initiative supports our strategic mission to use our skills and resources to aid the UK’s transition to a ‘Net Zero’ economy and support the ongoing decarbonisation of the UK transport network.”
Steve Winter, Head of Fleet at Centrica, said, “As the UK’s largest commercial EV fleet, access to reliable public charging is a barrier we need to overcome if we are to hit our goal of being fully electric by 2025. There are big geographical disparities in terms of the access to public charging and the work we are doing with Calisen should help fleets to access charging in the parts of the country that it’s needed most.”
