Honda have partnered with Vattenfall, a leading European energy supplier, to provide a flexible electricity tariff specifically tailored for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Europe. The partnership marks a key milestone for Honda in the development of its energy management business that represent an important pillar of its ‘Electric Vision’ strategy in Europe.
The two companies confirmed their intentions in October, to jointly develop and market a flexible electricity tariff that will allow EVs to be charged at the most cost-effective times, relative to grid demand. The tariffs – available to owners of any brand of electric vehicle (dependent on vehicle compatibility) – also promote the use of electricity generated through renewable sources including hydropower and wind farms, realising Honda's vision for sustainable future energy supply. This service will initially be available in UK and Germany in 2020.
Vattenfall will also oversee the installation of Honda Power Charger domestic charge points, through preferred contractors in both the UK and Germany. The system consists of a charging unit that can be wall or pedestal mounted, with a maximum output of 7.4kW (single phase power supply) or 22kW (three-phase power supply). At 22kW, Honda e owners will be able to charge to 100% capacity in 4.1 hours, assuming a 32-amp supply, significantly faster than through a standard wall socket.
For EV users who park in on-street urban environments, customers of the new service will be able to use the ubitricity network of charging points together with its ‘smart cable’ mobile metering technology. ubitricity has a rapidly growing network of chargers in cities throughout UK and Germany, with 1,700 alone in London.
Jorgen Pluym, Energy Management Project Leader, Honda Motor Europe, commented, “This collaboration is a key pillar in the delivery of our energy management business for Europe. Partnering with Vattenfall will allow us to provide EV users with cost-effective charging for their vehicle while maximising the use of renewable energy. Honda is a true leader in this space and we excited about the potential for this new business area.”
Tomas Björnsson, Head of Vattenfall E-mobility said, "Our goal is to make it easier for EV drivers all over northwestern Europe. This important partnership shows that you can easily contribute to a fossil free world, powered by renewable electricity, and at the same time lower your costs,”.
