Centrica invests in Driivz to enhance its EV offer

Energy firm Centrica and Ombu Group have invested in Driivz, an Israeli start-up that offers end-to-end software solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

The Driivz platform offers charging network operators, car manufacturers and utilities an end-to-end solution to manage all aspects of EV deployment from charging, account management and driver billing, through to onsite power management that allows businesses to optimise output to chargers in line with site energy demand and costs.

Centrica Innovations is integrating the Driivz platform into a new intelligent EV charging service offer for businesses from Centrica Electric Vehicle Services (CEVS). The fully-managed solution has been developed to meet the needs of organisations that want EV charging facilities for their employees and/or their depot-based fleets.

Jonathan Tudor, Director of Technology and Innovation Strategy for Centrica Innovations, said: “With 14 million EVs expected on UK roads by 2030, there can be no doubt that e-mobility will have a significant impact on how we manage the delicate balance of supply and demand to the grid.

“This investment is a key opportunity for Centrica to support growing customer demand and work in partnership with Driivz to explore new offers for customers that connect home, work and on-the-road car charging, while also evaluating the role of EVs and potential vehicle-to-grid applications as part of the future energy landscape.”

Centrica has installed over 4,000 workplace chargers, including Transport for London’s £18m EV charging scheme, which aims to install 300 fast charging points in the capital by 2020.

Ombu Group, a leading investor in advanced industrial technology companies, has co-led the investment, which forms part of a £9m ($12m) funding round.