Tom Callow, the Head of Corporate Communications for myenergi, joined Solar&StorageXtra to discuss the importance of Smart Electric Vehicles (EV) chargers and how myenergi contributes to decarbonising the energy space.
Founded in 2016 by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, myenergi have focused on technologies that can maximise energy consumption in the home and benefit consumers. myenergi’s key technology, the Zappi, is a trailblazer in the sector because it is the world’s first Solar powered EV charger.
Tom Callow is speaking on myenergi’s panel ‘On the Plus-Side: Smart Charging and the EV Consumer Benefits’. Tom explained that a key process to unlocking EV consumer benefits is understanding their concentration and connection to the grid.
There are fears of an overuse of charging due to an influx of electricity being used at one time. However, Tom explained that this doesn’t happen “people have different lives.” Vehicles are charged at the same time, overnight for example, but smart charging sessions can be scheduled, delayed and paused to manage electricity’s load on the grid and contribute to flexibility.
The benefits of EV’s connection to the grid must be made more aware to the consumer. A lack of knowledge about this topic has contributed to a fear of EVs being a burden to the grid. In reality, EVs can drive the adoption and consumption of renewable energy. In addition to this, the renewable energy used is also more manageable than the energy used from fossil fuels.
Recent legislation has been passed that all new private EV chargers being built must be smart, there have been some issues with companies finding loopholes with this new legislation but myenergi’s ‘Zappi’ was already close to meeting the new requirements.
“If you are a consumer, you should want a smart charger like the Zappi. It allows you to take advantage of smart tariffs and… Solar energy, even if you don’t have it today.” – Tom Callow, myenergi
A key discussion across the Charge EV theatre are the factors that can unlock mass EV uptake. For Tom Callow, cost is the main factor.
There are a lot of good used EV options for buyers on the used car market at the moment, Tom explained, but used EV market must be driven by increased, new and cheaper supply. A major disappointment with Rishi Sunak’s 2030 pushback is that it will delay the used EV market. Used car buyers will be waiting longer for an established and cheaper used EV market.
At Solar and Storage live this year, myenergi will be exhibiting at stand G12 presenting their products the Zappi, the Eddi (solar power diverter), and the Libbi (a modular battery storage system).
For myenergi, Tom explained, Solar and Storage live is about connecting with the installer community, letting installers see how their products can empower consumers and answer the questions ‘what else can benefit the consumer?’ and ‘What could the new customer eco-system look like?’.
Watch our interview with Tom Callow and subscribe to the Solar&StorageXtra YouTube channel here.
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