Charge point operator Connected Kerb is embarking on a nationwide rollout of smart charging across its public network in the UK, following a successful trial conducted last year.
The smart charging system by Connected Kerb enables drivers to schedule charging during off-peak hours when energy is both cheaper and greener, resulting in cost savings, reduced carbon emissions, and alleviated pressure on the grid. The rollout is scheduled to commence this month and will encompass the majority of Connected Kerb’s 6,000 installed charge points. The company has also announced plans to deploy an additional 4,000 charging stations this year, all of which will be enabled for smart charging by 2025.
Connected Kerb’s smart charging system operates by charging vehicles from midnight until the morning or until the battery is fully charged, allowing customers to benefit from reduced energy prices between 12 am and 7 am. The company estimates a reduced tariff of £0.45 per kWh, which is 22.4% lower than the average rate of the UK’s fast charging network. Users can schedule a charge via the app, which will then automatically start and stop the charging process at the specified time.
Ben Boutcher-West, Chief Digital Officer at Connected Kerb, expressed the significance of public smart charging in creating a fairer, greener, and more affordable charging network. He stated, “By increasing the speed of charging when energy is cheapest, we can now offer drivers lower-cost tariffs, maximise the use of green energy and take strain off the grid.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between those who have access to smart charging and those who do not, especially considering that nearly two-thirds of people in the UK do not have access to a home charger.
Connected Kerb has been actively expanding its charging infrastructure in the UK, with recent announcements of major projects in the north-east of England. The company’s efforts have been supported by investments from Osprey towards the end of 2023, and integration of Connected Kerb’s chargers into GreenFlux’s network in September 2023.
