Plugable, a community-driven platform unlocking access to the UK’s extensive network of private EV chargers, is set to launch its EV charger sharing pilot in the Northwest UK. Following a successful debut in Ireland, this initiative aims to make EV charging more accessible and affordable for drivers without private home chargers.
Plugable’s innovative platform allows EV owners to book reliable charging slots at local hosts' homes or private businesses, providing a convenient alternative to public charging stations. Despite a 30% increase in public EV charging points in the UK, these are predominantly located in Southeast England, creating regional disparities. With approximately 700,000 private charge points across the country, Plugable seeks to tap into this vast resource to support the growing number of EV drivers.
Maebh Reynolds, Founder and CEO of Plugable, shared the company's mission: "We aim to provide access to the UK's largest EV charging network by 2025, making charging accessible for everyone, everywhere. Our peer-to-peer network allows hosts to maximize the utilization of their home chargers, earning passive income while supporting the wider EV community. By democratizing access to EV charging, we aim to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles."
The Plugable app enables users to find nearby EV chargers, book convenient time slots, and benefit from lower rates compared to public chargers. Hosts can set their own prices and availability, earning income from their home chargers while aiding the EV community. Participants in the trial will receive a £25 bonus credit for signing up.
Residents in Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Wigan, and Bolton are invited to download the free Plugable app and participate in the pilot. Feedback from these users will help shape future improvements for the Plugable community.
Maebh Reynolds founded Plugable after experiencing the challenges of switching to an EV while living in an apartment building. Leveraging her expertise in engineering and sustainability, she established Plugable to utilize idle home chargers—unused 80% of the time—to support the net-zero transition.
As Plugable expands, it plans to roll out its charging marketplace nationwide and onboard businesses like gyms and hotels to offer their destination EV chargers to the community. This growth aims to further democratize access to EV charging, making it easier for more people to transition to electric vehicles.
