EV Rally interview: Weev
Transport + Energy are the Official Digital Media Partner for this year’s EV Rally. In the lead up to the event, Editorial Director Alec Peachey is catching up with a number of the participating teams. This week, he speaks to Philip Rainey, CEO of Northern Ireland EV charging infrastructure firm Weev.
Q. Tell us about your business, who are they?
A. ”Weev was established last year with a vision to transform Northern Ireland’s EV infrastructure and build the region’s largest privately operated charging network in the process. Through our growing list of location partners and clients, we have already made incredible strides in addressing the shortage of available chargers, We also work with businesses, helping them to make the switch to EV and electrifying their fleets as they seek to drive down costs and emissions.
”For the EV Rally, we are the official charging partner for the Northern Ireland leg of the event providing all participants with full access to our network to keep them, like our customers, on the road.”
Q. What is motivating you to take part?
A. ”I think anything that raises awareness of the benefits of making the switch to EV, we want to be involved with. What the EV Rally will showcase is that, running a fleet of electric vehicles doesn’t need to be a pipe dream. Obviously, there can be concerns in terms of range or charger anxiety – will we be able to get from A to B? The answer is of course ‘yes’ and it’s becoming even easier with the advancements in EV batteries and increased availability of chargers.
”At EV Rally we can showcase that our network of public chargers and our collaboration with businesses to electrify their fleets is providing the necessary support to make the transition to EVs seamless.”
Q. What do you think will be the greatest challenges?
A. ”Any event like this is a challenge, especially I think for those teams taking part but what a fantastic opportunity to travel across the UK and Ireland! For us, providing access to our charging network for the Northern Ireland stages couldn’t be simpler.
”Central to our operations is ensuring the availability and maintenance of chargers supported by on-the-ground local teams so in many respects, the days of the EV Rally will be just like any other for Weev.”
Q. What are you most looking forward to?
A. ”Like the rest of my colleagues at Weev, I am absolutely passionate about what we do, from a perspective of driving sustainability, helping businesses achieve their ESG goals and about EVs in general. So, I am most looking forward to connecting with like-minded people, fleet managers, EV drivers and industry experts.
”It’s also a chance to exchange knowledge and ideas, discuss the latest trends and innovations, and explore potential collaborations as we seek to expand the wider EV ecosystem.”
Q. Why do you think it’s important to showcase fleets? Do you think this type of event can educate fleet managers on their choices for the future?
A. ”It’s incredibly important to educate fleet managers on the diverse choices available for their future fleet electrification plans. By highlighting the advancements in charging infrastructure and EV technology, we are helping businesses to make informed decisions regarding their transition to electric vehicles.
”It’s essential to demonstrate EVs operating across vast distances in this way, allowing fleet managers and others to gather insights, gain confidence, and witness real-world success stories to overcome any lingering doubts.”
Q. Do you think that most barriers have now been overcome to allow for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles? What barriers, if any, remain?
A. ”We wouldn’t exist if there weren’t still some barriers to overcome and that, principally, is about expanding charging infrastructure, ensuring there is adequate coverage across urban and rural areas.
”The improving provision means that those barriers are quickly disappearing and, as it stands, we can confidently tell fleet operators that their needs will be met, especially as we work with them to provide advanced charging solutions within the workplace.”
Q. What do you think the EV situation will look like in 2030?
A. ”In 2030, I envision a completely transformed EV landscape. Statistics area already showing the incredible acceleration in the adoption of EVs and by 2023, electric vehicles will have become the norm.
”Governments, businesses, and individuals are increasingly recognising the environmental and economic benefits of EVs, leading to what will be a massive shift away from internal combustion engines. We can expect a well-established and robust charging infrastructure network, enabling long-distance travel and convenient charging options.”
About you
Q. Tell us about your company’s latest innovations and technology?
A. ”Although only operating for little over a year, we have made incredible inroads into enhancing the EV infrastructure across Northern Ireland.
”We recently announced a funding commitment from Octopus Investments of up to £50 million, giving us the opportunity to expand and enhance our network yet further. It means that we are now able to plan the installation of even more rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs as we respond to the growing demands from EV drivers.”
Q. What do you see as your company’s greatest opportunity leading up to 2030?
A. ”Looking ahead to 2030, it is really exciting to be part of one of the greatest shifts in how we all go about our daily lives in more than a generation and therein lies a tremendous opportunity. It is our aim to lead that transition alongside our strategic partners as we guide individuals and business towards a more sustainable future.”
Q. What is your company’s greatest challenge leading up to 2030?
A. ”Our greatest challenge will be keeping pace with the rapidly evolving EV landscape but it’s one that we are up for. The EV market is dynamic, and technological advancements occur at pace. To stay ahead, we must continuously innovate, adapt, and invest to alight with emerging industry standards.
”It isn’t just about us though. There’s no doubt that much work needs to be done to bring our energy infrastructure up to speed also, ensuring we have capacity, that it is in the right locations, to allow all of us to benefit and grab this opportunity.
”To that end, it will be about collaboration and ongoing dialogue between private enterprises such as Weev, alongside government and other statutory agencies. We all want the same thing and we can achieve it together.”
The EV Rally kicks off on 3 July in Cardiff. Participants will travel from Cardiff to Dublin, via London, Edinburgh and Belfast… all in 5 days! This has never been done, on a scale that will see around 50 all-electric motorcycles, cars, vans and trucks drive in excess of 1200 miles, carrying people, luggage and cargo.
Find out more at: https://ev-rally.co.uk
Main image courtesy of Weev.
