Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are being encouraged to prepare for the new Evolve public charging network, which is being migrated to a new technology platform and the current charging stations being upgraded.
The investment is being made to future-proof the public charging network, improve the charging experience, and support growing local demand for low-carbon electric transportation. The new platform also paves the way for the development of new products and services which will be designed to make e-transport even better than before.
Over the coming months, EV drivers will start to see upgraded electric charge points around the Island as the existing public charging stations are replaced. The stations are supported by a new, intuitive technology platform including an improved payment system which can be accessed through a mobile app.
To access the new network, customers can:
- Register with Evolve at evolve.je and create an account
- Download the free Charge Global app on iOS or Android
- Log in to the app with their Evolve account details
A step-by-step guide on how to use the charge points can be found at evolve.je.
Once EV drivers are registered, the app will automatically switch to Evolve. Drivers will be able to start and end charging sessions easily through the mobile app as well as view their charging history and manage their account, check which charge points are available, register a payment card and, if required, gain access to local driver support through JE’s Customer Care team. Through the app, customers can also, if they prefer, order a free charging tag which can be used to start and end charging sessions. EV drivers who do not want to register, or visitors to the Island, can also access the system as one-time users.
The minimum charge fee has been removed on the new network, as has a £20 annual fee for an Evolve charging card. A single charging tariff of 21p per kWh will be applied to all charging sessions. JE is reviewing its public charging tariff, which is presently at a level of around one third to one half of UK prices. A new Evolve pricing strategy which aims to incentivise off-peak charging will be reintroduced later in the year, enabling those without off-street charging to access low-cost charging overnight.
The new Evolve platform, which is run in partnership with EV charging partner Virta, is compatible with tens of thousands of public charging points off-Island, including the UK and Europe, so local EV drivers will be able to charge off-Island, through roaming agreements, by using the app or charging tag.
JE CEO Chris Ambler said, ‘The new Evolve network will be a significant step forward for Islanders who charge their EVs on the public charging network but also paves the way for the development of new products and services across private networks and home charging. Technology in this area has dramatically improved and Jersey is ready for investment to meet the future demand for low carbon transportation and reach the Island’s ambitions to decarbonise transportation. We urge EV drivers to prepare to use the new Evolve network in good time and start to familiarise themselves with the simple steps to use the charging stations at evolve.je.
‘The beauty of the new network is that it is very straightforward and intuitive, so we are hopeful this will be a much better experience for Islanders and visitors alike. The new platform will make travelling off-Island with an EV a more straightforward experience which is an important development for EV drivers, alongside the mobile app and other benefits.’
The internal system development and new infrastructure upgrade works will run over the summer and into autumn with new public chargers gradually swapped out by JEBS. All the current chargers will be upgraded on a phased basis, except the ultra-rapid unit at the Powerhouse, Queens Road, with all chargers including the ultra-rapid being moved across to the new platform.
‘Through our website and social media channels, we will be providing regular updates for EV drivers to track how the works are progressing and provide visibility of when the charge stations they use will be upgraded. We will do everything we can to ensure the charging stations will be changed with as minimal disruption as possible’ added Chris Ambler.
The Evolve network currently has 109 public charge points across the Island, more than twice the public charger density as the UK. The new technology will make it easier for new chargers, including those in apartments and office blocks, to be added in the future.
For more information visit evolve.je
