British automaker JLR has partnered with smart EV charging software firm ev.energy to pilot a new charging scheme aimed at optimizing electric vehicle charging for cost and sustainability. The program will involve 10 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles integrated with ev.energy’s platform to evaluate smart charging’s potential benefits, including charging at greener and cheaper times.
The initiative builds on JLR’s 2023 investment in ev.energy through its venture capital arm, InMotion Ventures, and is part of the company’s wider efforts to prepare for upcoming EV launches. Although JLR currently does not sell any fully electric models—having pulled the I-PACE ahead of Jaguar’s brand relaunch—the company has stated that the first fully-electric Range Rover has been delayed until 2026 to allow for further testing.
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“Our work with ev.energy is testament to the power of corporate‑scale‑up collaboration in unlocking fresh ideas to solve some of our industry’s biggest challenges,” said Swarna Ramanathan, JLR Chief Strategy Officer. “Together, we are designing and deploying a smart charging solution that will meet our luxury clients’ expectations. It will support the transition to electrification through the efficient use of energy, with a view to reducing pressure on the grid and lowering costs for users.”
ev.energy’s CEO and Co‑Founder Nick Woolley said the project demonstrates how automakers and software providers can work together to improve the EV experience: “This initiative is a prime example of how an automaker and a software provider can work collaboratively to deliver a convenient, high‑quality proposition, support the uptake of EVs and alleviate grid pressures to make charging cost‑effective.”
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JLR plans to evaluate the results of the UK-based pilot and explore broader deployment across the EU and U.S. markets. The companies will also study how ev.energy’s Virtual Power Plant system can assist low-carbon grids as electric vehicle usage continues to grow.
