UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Chargepoint Operator (CPO) Believ has announced a strategic partnership with energy infrastructure company Smart Metering Systems (SMS). This collaboration, confirmed on September 23, aims to accelerate the deployment of publicly accessible EV charging stations across the country.
Joining Forces to Dominate EV Charging
Believ’s aggressive acquisition signals a strategic move to fast-track the rollout of publicly accessible EV charging stations. Tapping into SMS’s expertise in low-carbon energy infrastructure and metering, Believ aims to transform the UK’s charging capabilities, but some industry insiders are questioning the implications of such consolidation.
Under the agreement, 10 SMS employees will join the Believ team, but what does this mean for SMS’s existing operations? While SMS continues to offer its metering and energy services, Believ is rapidly expanding, setting up new offices in Wales and Scotland. Critics worry that this consolidation might stifle competition and innovation in the EV charging market.
CEO’s Call to Action
Believ CEO Guy Bartlett insists this partnership addresses the urgent need for a faster chargepoint rollout, declaring, “We’re now in an even better position to meet those requirements.” But will this really lead to the significant increase in chargepoints that UK drivers desperately need? With growing concerns over the availability of reliable charging options, many potential EV drivers are left wondering if they can make the switch from traditional vehicles.
Rural Charging Crisis: Will Believ Step Up?
Earlier this year, Believ attempted to tackle the rural charging dilemma by partnering with Awsworth Parish Council in Nottinghamshire to provide free charging. While this initiative is commendable, Cornwall Insight’s research reveals the shocking reality: the UK must more than double its rate of charger installations to meet the government’s ambitious goal of 300,000 chargers by 2030. As Jamie Maule, a research analyst at Cornwall Insight, points out, fears about insufficient chargepoints are causing many to hesitate in making the switch to EVs.
Believ’s audacious acquisition of SMS could be a game-changer for the UK’s EV charging landscape, but it also raises significant questions about competition and accessibility. As the EV market continues to evolve, only time will tell if this bold move will indeed accelerate the transition to electric vehicles or if it will create new challenges for drivers seeking reliable charging options.
