Octopus launches ‘Plunge Pricing’ EV charging in France

Octopus Energy is bringing its dynamic EV charging pricing model to France, offering discounts of up to 50% at 7,000 Powerdot charge points when renewable electricity is abundant. The scheme links charging prices to wholesale power markets and aims to encourage EV charging during periods of abundant renewable electricity.

Octopus Energy is thus expanding its dynamic EV charging pricing model beyond the UK, where it was first introduced two years ago. The initiative enables electric vehicle drivers to benefit from significantly lower charging prices when wholesale electricity costs fall and renewable generation is high. According to Octopus Energy, drivers in France can receive discounts of up to 50 per cent on public charging during these periods.

The scheme initially applies to Powerdot’s network of around 7,000 ultra-rapid charge points across the country. Octopus said further charging operators are expected to join the programme over time.

According to the company, Electroverse already connects to around 97 per cent of the approximately 172,000 public charging points currently installed in France. Through the platform, drivers can access charging infrastructure from multiple operators via a single account and app.

“So far in the UK we’ve already helped customers save almost £100,000 with our Plunge Pricing, so we’re buzzing to expand it across the channel into Europe for the first time,” said Matt Davies, Founder and Director of Octopus Electroverse.

According to the company, the Plunge Pricing model will be expanded to additional charging networks and markets in the future. “France is the perfect place to kick things off. Certainly for local drivers, but also for the many UK drivers on holiday or passing through. Drivers can now snag some serious savings on the go, thanks to the flexibility of a renewable-powered grid.”

Afonso Ramos, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Powerdot, said the partnership aims to make electric mobility more accessible.

“Octopus has a remarkable ability to turn energy innovation into tangible benefits for customers,” Ramos said. “We’re particularly excited to introduce Octopus’ plunge pricing model to the French market together, aligning EV charging with periods of excess renewable energy to unlock lower costs for drivers across the country.”

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