Paua partners with Mer to make EV charging simpler for fleets
Paua has partnered with renewable EV charging experts, Mer, as part of Paua’s commitment to make EV charging simpler for fleets.
Business drivers using the Paua electric fuel card solution will be able to access over 160+ chargepoints operated by Mer, enabling fleets to expand beyond their depots with increasing confidence.
The deal is part of Mer’s commitment to support roaming across EV charging networks in the UK – which is a core part of Paua’s business model.
Under the arrangement, Paua’s mobile app fleet drivers can find, charge and pay at Mer’s next generation EV chargers at any site across the UK – simplifying the charging process for them.
Mer Managing Director, Anthony Hinde, said: “A core requirement in meeting the demand for EV charging across the UK is going to be roaming agreements, to minimise hassle for both fleet and private motorists.
“For that reason, we are delighted to have signed this deal with Paua – because the success of the UK’s EV industry is going to need e-mobility start-ups like Paua to continue to succeed and innovate.”
Paua Managing Director, Niall Riddell, said: “We want to enable fleets and business drivers to have confidence in their public charging as they extend their electric fleets beyond depot charging. Mer is an excellent partner for us with their commitment to establishing a more accessible and effortless experience, and so creating a smoother transition for British EV drivers.”
Paua is an innovative e-mobility startup founded by former utility director, Niall Riddell, who first identified the problem whilst leading the electric vehicle team at EDF Energy.
Paua, now a small diverse team, has been funded through the Sustainable Innovation Fund managed by Innovate UK to develop capability specifically for fleet public charging.
Further support from the Department for Transport has seen Paua develop the ability to enable plug & charge for all chargepoints which could become a market leading technology solution.
This partnership reflects the first of a number that Paua has prepared to enable fleets a smoother and more positive driver experience as they transition to electric across the UK.
This partnership reflects the first of many collaborations that Paua has planned to enable fleets a frictionless experience across the UK.
As the UK ramps up its transition to EVs – accelerated by the Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans – one of the biggest challenges’ motorists will face is being able to charge their vehicles where and when they need to.
Although charging infrastructure is being rapidly built across the country’s major road networks, and at-home solutions are becoming cheaper and more effective, there are still several gaps where there is an urgent need for accelerated EV charging deployment.
These include high-usage high-footfall locations like workplaces, public places, car parks, business premises and residential areas where people don’t have access to their own garages or driveways.
Mer – owned by Norwegian renewable energy giant Statkraft – only uses zero-carbon, 100% renewable energy sources to power its network, with the electricity generated solely by wind, solar and hydro sources.
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