UK-based commercial charging provider Paua has introduced Paua Share, a scheme that allows electric vehicle (EV) fleets to access charging infrastructure at 11 First Bus depot locations, the companies announced on Wednesday.
The initiative provides Paua’s commercial fleet customers with access to fast chargers rated between 150 kW and 350 kW, all powered by sustainable energy. Fleets sign up through a matchmaking process that aligns them with a depot and sets sharing terms including access hours and safety regulations. Drivers then use the Paua app and Paua Card to charge vehicles, with usage and billing managed via a fleet dashboard.
First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators with around 1,000 electric buses among its 5,500-vehicle fleet, has invested heavily in depot electrification and has previously shared infrastructure with third parties. Paua Share is the first system to unify shared depot charging and payments on a single platform.
Paua CEO Niall Riddell said, “We are delighted to be working with First Bus on this groundbreaking initiative. This partnership once again illustrates Paua’s leadership position. We envisage a European wide network of shared depots as we build Europe’s lowest cost commercial fleet charging network.”
Faizan Ahmad, Director of Decarbonisation at First Bus, commented, “Sharing depot infrastructure unlocks enormous potential for commercial fleets, accelerating the shift to zero-emission transport while making smarter use of existing assets. First Bus are proud to have been pioneers in this space and further innovation and collaboration, as showcased here by our partnership with Paua, are key to building a truly integrated, low-carbon transport network.”
Developed through a Department for Transport-funded Innovate UK project, Paua Share involved collaboration with Cenex and local councils in Suffolk and Oxfordshire to develop depot-sharing mechanisms, highlighting the growing focus on shared infrastructure to support commercial EV adoption.
Source: paua.com