A notable development in the electric vehicle (EV) sector has emerged from Worcestershire, where local tech firm Indra has announced an expansion of its partnership with Octopus Energy. This collaboration focuses on integrating Indra's home chargers with Octopus Energy’s popular EV tariff, known as Intelligent Octopus Go.
This integration allows users of the Indra EV chargers to connect their charging devices conveniently to their Octopus Intelligent Go accounts via the Octopus App. The innovative tariff offers a significantly lower charge rate of 7p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) specifically for smart charging of EVs through Indra’s chargers.
John Fox, chief technology officer of Indra, expressed excitement regarding the integration, saying, “We’re delighted to announce this eagerly anticipated integration between our smart home EV chargers and the popular Intelligent Octopus Go tariff.” He highlighted that extensive collaboration with Octopus took place over several months to ensure that Indra's customers could maintain all familiar features of their chargers while benefiting from the affordable and environmentally friendly energy provided by the tariff. Furthermore, he noted, “We are proud to be one of a small number of EV chargepoint manufacturers who can support smart EV tariffs such as this, in tandem with solar."
Adding to the discussion, Alex Schoch, head of electrification at Octopus Energy, mentioned, “With daily more drivers are benefitting from cheaper, cleaner driving by switching over to the UK’s most popular charging tariff, Intelligent Octopus Go. Driving for just 2p per mile is a game changer." He also pointed out the advantages of integrating chargers like Indra’s, stating that it not only helps unlock substantial savings for customers but also contributes to a balanced energy grid, with Octopus Energy managing charging nationwide.
In addition to this recent integration, Indra has made strides in the EV sector by developing the first commercial bi-directional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger, which allows for energy transfer in both directions. This innovative technology enables users to manage energy flow efficiently, directing it where it is needed most. As part of the ongoing integration, Indra is collaborating with Kraken to pioneer bidirectional charging technology, ensuring that the setup will be ready for vehicle-to-home (V2H) applications.
Founded in 2013, Indra has aimed to revolutionise the way power is harnessed for electric vehicles, positioning itself as a leader in the burgeoning field of sustainable energy solutions within the automotive industry. The company’s latest advancements signify a continuing trend towards smarter, more integrated energy management systems tailored for the evolving transportation landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services