Norwegian EV charging infrastructure startup Wattif EV is planning for a leading role in the UK charging infrastructure, supported by multi-million investment rounds in technology and operations.

Negotiations are underway that could deliver thousands of Wattif EV-managed stations in the next 18 months

Founded in 2020, it’s looking to significantly increase the number of Wattif EV-managed destination charging sites within 12 months, aided by a €50m (£44.2m) initial funding secured from leading pan-European infrastructure fund Marguerite.

Its technology partner Ampeco has also raised $16m (£13.2m) in venture capital investment, which provides long-term and sustainable service provision for Wattif EV’s charging network as it looks to strengthen its position.

The investments are an integral part of its plans to establish a leading Europe-wide network of EV destination chargers; the company is initially targeting the rapid adoption of more than 120,000 new EV destination charge points in key European automotive markets.

It’s already established its first points in the UK, which went live late 2022 in Cambridge and will be imminently followed by Leeds, with Scotland next in its plan. Following these early-adopted locations, the company says it’s in discussions to expand exponentially with contract negotiations underway that could deliver thousands of Wattif EV-managed stations in the next 18 months.

The work supports the UK’s 2030 ICE ban – and CEO Robert Svendson called on business to drive network growth.

“To hit the UK’s 2030 EV targets there needs to be strong support from business, local authorities and Government to establish a coordinated strategy delivering EV cars, EV infrastructure and EV battery supply. Actions speak louder than words and I believe business must lead this charge given all the pressures on the UK government right now: our strong end to 2022 and start to 2023 shows that Wattif EV is ideally placed to be a critical path to that ambition.”

Svendson also stressed the company’s position that destination charging is key to infrastructure growth.

“Our Norwegian-based expertise and focus on what’s best for the owner of EVs and EV chargers to fit charging into their daily lives are key. Charging en-route at service stations is not viable long-term – charging without thinking, planning or worrying, at home and destination, is key to driving growth of EV sales.”