Volvo Cars has integrated the Plugsurfing platform directly into its app, providing its customers a wider choice of public EV charging networks.
The in-app integration works like an all-in-one solution to public charging for EV drivers, who now have access to more than 270,000 charging points across the European continent. Besides providing drivers with a payment gateway for charging, the Volvo Cars app shows drivers the location of the nearest public charging stations along with real-time information on their availability, thereby improving access to public charging infrastructure.
The in-app integration has simplified the mobile charging experience, the company said, since it is easier for drivers to charge their Recharge pure electric car by eliminating different charging apps and payment systems.
“Creating premium fully electric products is only one part of a much wider ecosystem when it comes to enabling consumers to make the switch to a fully electric car,” said Arek Nowinski, Head of EMEA at Volvo Cars.
Nowinski further said the digital platform provides customers access to more networks inside and outside their country of residence.
Plugsurfing’s Developer Platform and Driver API directly feed charging information into the Volvo Cars app, thereby creating a convenient experience, the company said.
“Drive API is the evolution of our commitment to our partners,” Plugsurfing CEO Tatu Kulla said. “With this integration, Volvo Cars can evolve its own products and services to meet its goal of becoming a purely electric company by 2030.”
The Swedish automaker, which sold 698,700 cars last year, aims to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and a climate-neutral company by 2040.
After the initial introduction in Switzerland and Italy, the company will continue to roll out the updated functionality – which offers special rates for charging at IONITY stations around Europe – to most of its European markets through 2022. In Sweden and Norway, Volvo Cars has also partnered with charging operator Mer to offer preferential rates in those countries.