ABOUT US
Rapid Charging Devon was originally an Innovate UK project, with the aim to deliver a comprehensive, powerful and rapid electric vehicle charging network across Exeter and the surrounding area.
Following extensive work on finding the right technology to better serve residents and visitors, Rapid Charge Devon will proudly deliver the most comprehensive network of residential rapid EV chargers in the UK outside of London. The two main obstacles for the transition to EVs are the lack of public charging infrastructure and the higher price of EVs compared to diesel/petrol vehicles. Rapid Charging Devon addresses both these issues, first through our ubiquitous public EV charging infrastructure and second by working to provide access to rent-by-the-hour EV hire at select locations.
Part of the wider Diggia Group (of which Wenea is also a member) and the UK arm of Spanish company Sferaone Solutions, Gamma Energy was established in the UK in 2013. An engineering services group, it specialises in the development, construction and operation of green energy projects, working with the likes of the NHS, local councils and some of the UK’s largest utility companies.
In Devon, Gamma Energy will provide engineering, procurement and construction support, alongside project managing the development of the Rapid Charging Devon scheme through ongoing operation and maintenance services.
Wenea provides smart charging solutions for electric vehicles, with a mission to lead the transition to sustainable mobility and achieve a goal of zero emissions. The company has deployed more than 1,000 charging points in its native Spain, including ultra-rapid 300kW vehicle chargers. With support from its own dedicated app – which has over 100,000 active users – it brings unrivalled experience and expertise to Devon.
As the owners of the vehicle chargers themselves, Wenea will be the charge point operator (CPO) for the Rapid Charging Devon scheme – a project that will provide a template for other on-street charging initiatives across UK cities, towns and villages.
Wenea offers a complete portfolio of solutions for companies, individuals and public bodies in different sectors, such as highways, urban areas, workplaces and homes.
Originally, Devon County Council partnered with Gamma Energy to install and operate 150 electric car charging points. With the original technology provider exiting the partnership, DCC and Gamma Energy have gone on to build the Rapid Charging Devon project together.
DCC are the highways authority and see this project as a vitally important pollution reduction initiative. Rapid Charging Devon will both increase the use of electric vehicles through the provision of an improved charging infrastructure, alongside developing shared vehicle capacity in the area.
“This is a hugely exciting project and will place Devon at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the UK. This state-of-the-art technology will deliver rapid on-street charging solutions which will enable access for neighbourhoods across the county. A particularly exciting element of this scheme is the co-location of car club electric vehicles which extends the reach beyond EV owners, opening EV use to a whole new audience.”
David Leipziger
Innovation Lead, Mobility & Cities – Innovate UK
