Cenex picks Chargemaster to run electric vehicle plug-in network

Cenex, the Loughborough-based Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, has chosen Chargemaster, the largest UK supplier and operator of chargepoints, to run the Plugged-in Midlands Network (PiM) following a competitive selection process.

The Plugged-in Midlands estate of more than 870 chargepoints will be merged with Chargemaster’s POLAR network, which already comprises over 4,000 chargepoints across the country. The addition of the PiM chargepoints to the extensive POLAR network will make EV motoring even easier across the UK.

Developments planned for the PiM network include access to chargepoints via smartphone app and a choice of tariffs, with many chargepoints remaining free to use. Across the UK, more than 80 per cent of POLAR chargepoints are free.

The agreement with Chargemaster, which has been approved by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), will consolidate the Midlands chargepoints within a wider national network. This will help improve customer service for motorists and chargepoint hosts.

Chargemaster will also expand the network, with a short-term goal of adding over 100 new chargepoints in the coming months.

Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, commented: “Cenex has successfully grown the PiM network over the past five years to serve electric vehicle owners in the Midlands, and we are very proud of what has been achieved. Now is the time for the PiM network to transition to a specialist network operator that can expand the scope of the network, unify networks for national coverage, and invest in new services and an improved customer experience.

“Having reviewed Chargemaster’s track record, we are delighted that they have offered to invest in and grow the PiM network. We are convinced that electric car users will benefit from this step, as Chargemaster continues to maintain the chargepoints to the highest standards.”

David Martell, Chargemaster CEO, said: “We are excited to be given the opportunity to take the excellent work that Robert and his team at Cenex have achieved over the last five years, together with the support of OLEV, and advance it to a new level with significant investment from the private sector.

“We will be investing in many new chargepoints and back-end server technologies. We will also be working closely with existing stakeholders to make the Midlands a showcase that facilitates and promotes the ownership and operation of electric vehicles.”

In 2013, Chargemaster won a competitive tender to take over the management of the Milton Keynes PiP network. It has successfully expanded the chargepoint network, many of which are rapid chargers that enable electric vehicles to charge in under 30 minutes.