EV charging solution wins EDF 2019 Pulse Innovation Challenge

An innovative platform that makes it simpler, cheaper and greener for drivers to charge electric vehicles has won EDF Energy’s Pulse Innovation Challenge for 2019.

The team from ev.energy impressed judges with their customer-focussed offer that gives EV owners greater control and visibility when charging their electric cars at home and on the go. The platform automatically captures off-peak rates and charges at these rates, with users able to easily view and manage charging through a dedicated app.

They were one of five start-up finalists who have spent the last 12 weeks working closely with teams from EDF Energy after being selected from nearly 160 entrants for this year’s challenge, run by the company’s innovation accelerator, Blue Lab.

ev.energy picked up the £25,000 top prize and will now continue their work with EDF Energy. The company will also explore opportunities for further collaboration with the other finalists.

Philippe Commaret, Deputy Managing Director for Customers at EDF Energy, said:

"I have always championed innovation and it is vital that companies like EDF Energy work with start-ups to share our expertise and to develop the very best solutions for our customers.

"We had five brilliant finalists with very different ideas, and the judges’ decision was very close, but ev.energy showed us a great solution that will really benefit anyone who is already driving an electric vehicle, or thinking about moving to an EV."

Nick Woolley, CEO and Co-Founder of ev.energy, said:

“We’re really thrilled to have won the EDF Energy Pulse Innovation Challenge. We’ve really enjoyed working with the team over the last three months and believe we have an exciting opportunity to develop a great solution for customers.”

The other finalists were:

Emu Analytics, which helps organisations drive more value from new and big data assets, particularly with reference to location, movement and time.

Verdigris, an artificial intelligence company which focuses on optimising building operation and energy consumption.

Enerbrain, which turns non-residential buildings that waste energy into smarter, healthier and more sustainable properties via its environmental sensors, actuators, algorithm and dashboard system.

Wondrwall, which has developed an intelligent living system that makes homes adapt to occupants’ needs and desires, automatically controlling heating, lighting, security and safety with voice control technology.