[UK] Octopus: Electric Juice Network

[CMc1]

Haven’t seen this mentioned. Octopus Energy are almost ready to Beta their new combined payment solution for public chargers. Starting with Char.gy

Other networks are reported to be in the pipeline.

One RFID for multiple charging networks. One payment or billed to energy bill.

https://www.octopusev.com/post/simplifying-charging

Zap-map has something similar, but never seen it in operation.

 

[Durzel]

It will live and die by how many of the charging networks participate.

There is a benefit to them in having you as a direct customer; they have your details, a business need to use them, etc. What benefit do the likes of Pod-point or Polar get from having Octopus as the "face" of their charging infrastructure?

It's a good idea - one of the most annoying things I've found with public charging is keeping on top of which apps are used for what, which ones need to be topped up and which ones are PAYG, etc, all with different degrees of user friendliness in their phone apps, if they even have a phone app at all - but I suspect it will be one of those niche things, for niche charging networks (I've never heard of Char.gy before).

I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Smog]

It will live and die by how many of the charging networks participate.

There is a benefit to them in having you as a direct customer; they have your details, a business need to use them, etc. What benefit do the likes of Pod-point or Polar get from having Octopus as the "face" of their charging infrastructure?

It's a good idea - one of the most annoying things I've found with public charging is keeping on top of which apps are used for what, which ones need to be topped up and which ones are PAYG, etc, all with different degrees of user friendliness in their phone apps, if they even have a phone app at all - but I suspect it will be one of those niche things, for niche charging networks (I've never heard of Char.gy before).

I hope I'm wrong.

I got my M3P similar time too yourself, and as a key worker also utilised a couple of networks. Polar doesn’t work for me as a monthly payer but ill still use if need be as its easy. We have Pod-Point coming this week to install at home, but i detest how I have to top up my account to use it. Why cant they just go to a charge by charge model i have no idea, although i cant fault the ease of use for free charging at Tesco!

 

[Mr Miserable]

We have Pod-Point coming this week to install at home, but i detest how I have to top up my account to use it.

What?

Explain please. Something is not right here...

 

[NewbieT]

Sign up now for Beta: Octopus Energy

I didn’t for now: char.gy looks like it’s some lamppost charging West Mids + London. I’m never going to use it. If they can get proper coverage across multiple decent networks then sure.

33p/kWh ouch.

 

[m3gt2]

Not at that price

 

[davidmc]

I signed up just to add a card to my collection!

 

[interbear]

The principle of Octopus acting as a single provider / broker to consolidate multiple public charging networks is a very good one. I have so far relied on home charging (Andersen charger and Octopus Go tariff, referrals available ) and the Tesla supercharging network. I’ve avoided 3rd party chargers completely as it just seems so damn complicated and I don’t want to sign up to multiple accounts. This charging complexity is also one of the reasons I chose Tesla rather than an alternative EV. So, if competitively priced, this is an interesting proposition from Octopus that in principle makes sense to me.

 

[ACarneiro]

I signed up but I fear it'll be just Yet Another Card to have in my car.
I doubt there are many incentives for the myriad of providers to join in and if this concept doesn't reach a critical mass it will fail.
Odds are stacked against Octopus but..... fingers crossed!

 

[ma9mwah]

always reminds me of this

hopefully soon chargers will just be like fuel stations, prices displayed on a board by charging speed 0-50,50-150,150+ etc.. and its easy to work out the cheapest.

 

[Smog]

What?

Explain please. Something is not right here...

I meant how I have to top up the account to use the public network, not the home charger. Sorry for talking about both parts and not being clearer

 

[CMc1]

Found this article from early 2019. Octopus and Ionity joining.... could mean cheaper rates. [you can get max £7.60 per session on Ionity via ChargePoint app]

Octopus Energy and IONITY partner to bring ultra-rapid EV charging network to the UK

 

[MrBadger]

Found this article from early 2019. Octopus and Ionity joining.... could mean cheaper rates. [you can get max £7.60 per session on Ionity via ChargePoint app]

Octopus Energy and IONITY partner to bring ultra-rapid EV charging network to the UK

I signed up to the Octopus Juice scheme when this topic first appeared but I seem to have only received a joining email. The joining email mentions about "Just tap ‘Pay with Octopus’ when activating a Char.gy lamp post charger. ". Should I have received some (preferred) RFID card or app to tap? For anyone with more advanced info, is it/will it be same process with Ionity?

 

[beansnchips]

What also clinched my interest is that they are also looking to expand the service into Europe.

As @ma9mwah points out, I can't help feel the same (although I would dearly love to be wrong):

always reminds me of this

 

[LukeUK]

always reminds me of this

hopefully soon chargers will just be like fuel stations, prices displayed on a board by charging speed 0-50,50-150,150+ etc.. and its easy to work out the cheapest.

Always nice to see a bit of xkcd.com

 

[CMc1]

Second partnership announced. Engenie

We’re excited to let you know that the Electric Juice Network is expanding!

We’re welcoming rapid charging provider Engenie on-board, who operate over 150 rapid charging stations at more than 100 UK locations, and recently launched London’s first rapid charging hub in partnership with Transport for London.

As an Electric Juice Beta user, you’ll shortly be able to use your Electric Juice card to tap-and-charge at Engenie’s rapid points anywhere in the UK, with charging costs automatically added to your Octopus Energy bill.

When will I receive my Electric Juice card?

We’re breathing life into our cards as we speak - your personal one will be arriving at your door within the next couple of weeks. Plus, as a Beta user you’ll receive a custom beta tester card to show that you were part of the Electric Juice journey from the very beginning!

Can you tell me more about Engenie?

Engenie is an electric vehicle charging network operator specialised in rapid chargers, and is rapidly expanding its network all across the UK. Every charger is also powered using 100% renewable electricity from Octopus Energy, forming a major part of Engenie’s commitment to enable a low-carbon transport system and pollutant-free air.

Read all about Engenie on their website
Find out where Engenie chargers are located
Read more about Engenie joining the Electric Juice Network

Thanks again for being part of the Beta - with Engenie joining we’re taking another step towards creating the effortless charging system that we need in the UK, and indeed the one we want to create for you.

Best,
The EJN Team @ Octopus
[email protected]
octopus.energy/electric-juice-network/

 

[NewbieT]

Octopus might provide the electricity for a big chunk of the UK EVSE networks but looks like they have a way to go negotiating consumer Juice card access before I’ll bother getting a card. Might get one just in case there is an early adopter bonus(!).

They have potential to be a good UK roaming account (lots of EV customers already and the supplier to lots of EVSEs). If they can enable ‘plug and charge’ (OPCC standard) (please pretty please) like Tesla/Fastned they’d definitely have a USP along with the potential for being well priced (unlike Plugsurfing).

Possible they could get traction as electricity supply contracts get renewed if they offer preferential electricity rates / discounts to CPOs accepting the Juice card. If so, they could do quite well growing the card over the next 2 years. If they do a deal with one or two of the European aggregator MSPs that would be a bonus.

 

[Cwmwd]

Moderator comment - post merge from "Electric Juice"

It may be old hat but I was totally unaware of it's existence 'till I read this article about Engenie joining the other day (thanks to Google suggestions):
Engenie joins Octopus Electric Juice roaming service in 'crucial step' for seamless charging

Not many Engenie stations around this way and I'm not sure how useful replacing my contactless bank card for a different contactless card of limited use would be but I might sign up anyway as it's zero cost and adds some options to the arsenal of apps and accounts I've set up for various networks "just in case". Probably more useful as more networks join in.

Are there any Octopus customers here who've joined up and have any comments?

Octopus Energy

 

[NorfolkMustard]

It’s not active yet. Those who signed up for the trial should be getting their RFID cards soonish.

 

[CMc1]

RFID Cards for those that have signed up are out in the post. Also Franklin energy joins Engenie as charging partner.

Who’s going to win.... Zap-Map pay or OE’s EJN?