GRIDSERVE launches app to enhance EV charging experience

GRIDSERVE has introduced its first dedicated mobile app for electric vehicle (EV) motorists, marking a significant step towards achieving its aim of net zero transport. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft Azure specialist Dootrix, the app is designed with a user-centric approach to enhance the EV charging experience.

The app offers a suite of features including the ability for drivers to locate EV charging points, manage payment information, view payment histories, and access real-time charging data, such as the estimated time needed for a full charge. The move aims to increase drivers' confidence in switching to electric vehicles and to accelerate the adoption of EVs across the UK.

The app covers more than 190 locations on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, which includes Electric Forecourts, Electric Super Hubs at motorway service areas, and Electric Retail Hubs at locations such as Dobbies. The company's strategy, known as the Sun-to-Wheel revolution, focuses on using sustainable energy for vehicle charging.

Rob Borley, CEO at Dootrix, commented: "This state-of-the-art technology creates the roadmap for continued advancements that can be made quickly to meet future needs and empower EV drivers even more." The technology specialist has been working on various GRIDSERVE projects since 2019.

A standout feature of the app is its ability to visualise the charging curve, which shows the variation in the charge speed during a session. This is facilitated by a real-time technical connection to the charging points. Borley explained, "Real-time data from the chargers enables the app to build charging curves of the number of kilowatts that are being delivered to the vehicle throughout the charging session."

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer at GRIDSERVE, stated, "We are thrilled to be launching the GRIDSERVE app. 200,000 charging sessions are recorded on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway every month, and the new app will make those charging sessions even easier. We have listened to our users and made it easier to receive receipts as we look to constantly improve our service." She also mentioned the introduction of a summer promotion offering a 20% discount on charging across their network.

The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and it helps users find the best charging location, which can be navigated to using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. This foundation sets the stage for future updates to include more innovative features, contributing to GRIDSERVE's mission of achieving net zero transport. Currently, the company oversees more than 1,400 charging bays across its network.