In a landmark move for aviation and environmental sustainability, Octopus Energy has partnered with AeroVolt to introduce a groundbreaking charging system for electric planes, mirroring the simplicity of electric car charging. Today's announcement signifies a major step forward in the electrification of transportation, aiming to drastically reduce the aviation sector's carbon footprint.
Under this innovative scheme, electric aircraft pilots can now recharge their planes with the same ease as an electric car owner, through a simple tap of a card. The integration of Octopus Energy's Electroverse, an acclaimed electric vehicle (EV) charging platform, with AeroVolt's pioneering aircraft charging network, promises to transform the refuelling process for electric planes across the UK.
Electric aviation, primarily involving small, two-seater aircraft for short-haul flights, has been identified as having a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional fossil fuel-powered planes. With AeroVolt's installation of charging points at seven key UK sites—including airports in Bournemouth, Lydd, Dunkeswell, and Shoreham—and plans to expand to 12 more locations, the infrastructure for electric planes is rapidly developing. Discussions are also underway to introduce charging facilities at nearly 70 additional airports.
Electroverse, lauded for revolutionising EV charging for cars by eliminating the need for multiple apps and cards, now extends its ‘one card, one app' model to aviation. This seamless charging experience is further enhanced for Octopus Energy customers, who can integrate their public charging expenses with their home energy bills in a single, straightforward payment.
This initiative is part of Octopus Energy's broader strategy to expedite the shift towards green transportation. The company's dedication to this cause is evident in its status as the UK's largest EV-only leasing business through its Electric Vehicles division and its pioneering role in developing smart tariffs for EVs. Through innovative technologies like the Kraken platform, Octopus Energy is leading the charge in optimising the use of renewable energy in transportation.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy for Business, expressed excitement over the initiative, highlighting the company's commitment to reducing emissions and facilitating the transition to green transport. Guy Haydon, Chief Commercial Officer at AeroVolt, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ease and efficiency that the partnership brings to electric aviation.
The Octopus-AeroVolt collaboration not only marks a significant advancement in electric transportation but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by offering sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-dependent modes of transport.