Elektromotive
| Founded | 2003 in Brighton |
|---|---|
| Founders |
|
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Fate | Acquired by Chargemaster |
| Headquarters | Sussex University Sussex Innovation Centre, United Kingdom |
| Brands | Elektrobay |
| Subsidiaries | Charge Your Car |
Elektromotive was a British company, acquired by Chargemaster in 2017,[1] specialising in the manufacture and installation of charging infrastructure for electric cars and other electric vehicles, using their trade name of Elektrobay.[2][3] The company had partnerships with major corporations including EDF Energy[4] and Mercedes-Benz[5] to supply charging posts and data services.
History
[edit]Elektromotive was founded in 2003 by former photographer Calvey Taylor-Haw,[6] mechanical engineer Greg Simmons[7] and motorsport entrepreneur Mike Earle in Brighton. The company was based at Sussex University at the Sussex Innovation Centre, which acts as a business incubator for startup companies.[8]
The first Elektrobays were installed by Westminster City Council in 2006 (branded as 'Juice Point'),[9] and there were later over 100 units in London.[6][10]
Elektromotive had a 2009 deal with electricity supplier EDF Energy to part-fund the installation of some Elektrobays in public places.[11] In February 2009, Westminster City Council was accused by energy supplier Npower of infringing its trademark by calling their Elektrobays 'Juice Points'.[12]
The first on-street stations outside London were commissioned in Brighton and Hove in September 2009, although over 90 stations were already operational on private sites outside London.[9]
Charge Your Car
[edit]Elektromotive's Charge Your Car subsidiary provides "back office" services to charge point owners, in many cases local authorities. CYC handles user registration and billing, and provides a map of charge points, but does not own or maintain any points.[13]
Acquisition
[edit]In January 2017, the Competition and Markets Authority gave Chargemaster permission to acquire Elektromotive and Charge Your Car, which was completed in the same month. At that time the company had around 190 staff.[14] Charge Your Car continues as a subsidiary of BP Chargemaster.[15]
Products
[edit]The company's main product was a range of Elektrobay units for charging vehicles that supply 13 A at 230 V,[16] as well as a 32 A version (single or three phase) for faster charging of vehicles.[17] These are available as free-standing posts or wall mounted, and with a range of connectors. They also offer intelligent systems to communicate with the vehicle while charging.[18]
Partnerships
[edit]Elektrobay recharging units were installed at Mercedes-Benz dealerships from 2010.[19]
References
[edit]- ^ "Chargemaster gains approval for Elektromotive acquisition".
- ^ "Elektromotive - About Us". Elektromotive Ltd.
- ^ Sunderland, Faye (12 October 2009). "Elektromotive selected to trial electric smart". TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ "EDF Energy working together with Elektromotive Ltd". EDF Energy. Archived from the original on 7 September 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ "Elektromotive trialling smart fortwo in UK". Mercedes-Benz UK. 14 October 2009. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ a b Noreen (6 October 2009). "Green Fleet honours Elektromotive MD with 'Outstanding Achievement Award'". European Motor News. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ Simmons, Greg. "Technical Director". AD Media Europe. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
- ^ Taylor, Andrew (9 December 2007). "Risk Takers catch a wave". London: The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ a b Vaughan, Adam (29 September 2009). "Brighton & Hove aims to become UK's most friendly electric car-friendly city". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2 November 2009.
- ^ "London to get its 100th Elektromotive charging bay". Road Transport.com. 14 April 2009. Archived from the original on 30 January 2010.
- ^ Hutton, Ray (12 April 2009). "The race is on to create more mean drivers". London: The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2 November 2009.[dead link]
- ^ "Npower complains over 'juice' use". BBC News. 4 February 2009.
- ^ Lilly, Chris (27 May 2020). "Charge Your Car network". Zap-Map. Archived from the original on 4 May 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "Chargemaster to invest £15 million in EV charging network". www.fleetnews.co.uk. 27 January 2017. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "Standard Terms and Conditions". ChargeYourCar. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
- ^ "Elektromotive – Elektrobay Instructions". Archived from the original on 11 June 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ "Yahoo".
- ^ "EV car-to-charger communications improved". Channel 4 News. 18 September 2008.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz and SMART dealers take the lead on EVs". Elektromotive. 3 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011.