Polestar Joins Push For EV Infrastructure
Polestar is joining the automaker push to accelerate the introduction of EV charging infrastructure essential is the technology’s consumer acceptance is to grow.
The BEV premium sub-brand of Volvo has teamed up with Plugsurfing in Europe ahead of initial Polestar 2 customer deliveries, scheduled for the coming months. Boasting more than 195,000 compatible EV charging points on the continent, the company claims a convenient solution to accessing and paying for electricity from a variety of public charging service providers.
A key benefit of the partnership is the flexibility to charge access chargers especially when crossing continental borders. Foreign bank accounts and the need for local mobile phone numbers can often hinder the ability to charge in other countries.
The Plugsurfing RFID tag, supplied as standard with every new Polestar 2 in Europe, claims to allow owners to reduce the number of apps, accounts and authentication processes required to charge their cars from the thousands of different charging service providers available. Customers will register an account to use a one payment and authentication solution rather than requiring unique apps and accounts for a multitude of charging service providers.
The Google Maps integrated into Polestar 2 is designed for the special needs of EV owners and, to ensure further peace of mind, owners will be offered full instruction regarding charging infrastructure and how to use the Plugsurfing solution. Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, said: “This international European partnership with Plugsurfing is the first of these solutions and it paves the way for more partnerships which will also include national and local solutions.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
