The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has invited fleets to sign up for its new shared charging platform following the arrival of a technology partner.

The platform was born out of AFP research that showed six out of 10 members were interested in shared charging. After exploring viability and examining everything from booking and availability to pricing and health and safety, the AFP began talking to suppliers late last year.

It’s now appointed Scottish startup Evata to deliver technology that allows companies with spare depot and office charger capacity to offer their facilities to other AFP members.

The Evata technology will be made available for AFP members through an online portal, while drivers will be given a self-serve mobile app for use when accessing shared infrastructure.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said Evata’s expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm would “deliver a game-changing platform that will bring new possibilities for fleets seeking reasonably priced, convenient charging”.

He elaborated: “One of the factors that impresses us about Evata is their mission to ‘make electrification affordable’ for fleets, working alongside businesses adopting EVs for the first time to ensure they can economically access the infrastructure required.

“In many ways, the work we are undertaking with them reflects this thinking and we are looking forward to getting the shared charging project moving and delivering for members.”

The decision was taken by 19 organisations that are part of the AFP’s shared charging committee, launched at the start of 2024.

Shakeel Ali, co-founder at Evata, said: “We’re really excited to be working with the AFP on this platform. It means that in addition to home, work and highway charging, fleets will now have access to a fourth channel through which to power their EVs.”

Fleets – including AFP members and non-members – can find out more about the platform by contacting [email protected].