Volvo Cars has introduced a new feature that allows electric vehicle (EV) drivers to directly enroll in a smart charging plan via their vehicle app. In collaboration with energy technology company Kaluza and energy supplier OVO, this first-of-its-kind service is designed to streamline the charging process for Volvo EV owners without requiring additional apps or external services.
The feature enables Volvo EV drivers to sign up for OVO’s Charge Anytime plan, which allows them to charge their vehicles at any time for a rate of 7p/kWh. Kaluza’s software optimizes the charging schedule, automatically shifting the vehicle’s charging times to more affordable and eco-friendly periods, helping to lower both costs and carbon emissions.
According to Volvo, those who enroll in the smart charging plan will also receive a complimentary 2,700 miles of EV charging. The move comes as part of a broader trend, with research from OVO showing that a majority of UK drivers view lower running costs as a key incentive for switching to electric vehicles. “With this new partnership with OVO and Kaluza, we’re helping our customers maximize the benefits of electric car ownership, both in terms of their day-to-day running costs and by reducing their energy carbon footprint,” said Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.
The survey also highlighted that affordability is a primary driver in the transition to EVs, with 56% of UK drivers citing lower running costs as their top motivation. Additionally, 75% of respondents indicated they would be more likely to purchase an EV if offered a charging tariff that automatically adjusts to the lowest possible rates.
As part of the initiative, Volvo aims to provide an integrated and branded experience directly through its app, where customers can manage the charging process without needing to download separate applications. This integration with Kaluza ensures that the process meets Volvo’s standards for customer experience and simplicity.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Volvo, Kaluza, and OVO signals the growing convergence of energy and mobility solutions. Future developments, such as bi-directional Vehicle-to-Grid (V2X) services, are expected to further enhance the value proposition of EV ownership by allowing vehicles to export surplus energy back to homes, supporting grid stability and offering drivers additional rewards.
Neel Gulhar, Chief Product Officer at Kaluza, commented, “Integrations like this are exactly what automakers and energy retailers need to put customers at the center of the energy transition and ensure nobody gets left behind.” Meanwhile, Mat Moakes, Chief Commercial Officer at OVO, emphasized, “This is another way we are helping our customers cut costs and carbon for a greener future.”
