Alphabet has partnered with NewMotion to offer fleets and drivers smart charging solutions, as well as access to UK-wide public charge points, as it reports fast-rising demand for plug-in vehicles.

In the 12 months to March 2020, Alphabet saw a triple-digit increase in orders for plug-in vehicles

Although the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) reduced the grants for home charging installation earlier this year, Alphabet says take-up of electric vehicles continues to grow. In the 12 months to March 2020, the leasing and mobility specialist saw a triple-digit increase in orders for plug-in vehicles – and the new Benefit-in-Kind rates for 2020/21 are expected to accelerate the switch further.

Supporting customers making the transition, the deal with NewMotion, which was acquired by Shell in October 2017, brings an holistic charging service, from consulting and installation to operation of the charge points, back-office management and 24/7 support.

This includes the availability of NewMotion’s smart home chargers, which will be available to all Alphabet customers – including existing plug-in vehicle drivers – at a preferential rate. The introductory price of £359 (including OLEV grant) has been reduced from £549 and is available for the first 90 days. Workplace charging solutions and advice are also on offer.

The tie-up between the two will also benefit Alphabet customers through access to more than 2,500 public charge points across the UK, including over 800 rapid charge points. These can be accessed through the NewMotion charge card and app, with the latter also offering real-time insight on charge tariffs, charge speeds and availability of public charge points, as well as information on the estimated range increase or time to get to a target charge level.

Simon Carr, chief commercial officer, Alphabet (GB), said: “We’re committed to supporting the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ strategy and have been leading the way in leasing electric vehicles for many years now, so our shared passion for eMobility makes NewMotion a great fit for the Alphabet brand. NewMotion brings with it over a decade of experience in home and workplace charging and coupled with our AlphaElectric expertise, businesses really are in the best hands when choosing Alphabet to electrify their fleet.”