One of the UK's most popular electric car charging providers has announced a major acquisition in a move that could bring benefits to thousands of drivers.
Pod has confirmed the acquisition of EO Charging in a dramatic expansion for its commercial fleet and depot charging options.
Pod, which has already been in the UK for 17 years, has quickly established itself as a market leader, becoming one of the most well-known home charging options for motorists.
It comes at a critical time for the electric vehicle industry, with many experts describing the transition away from petrol and diesel as a "tipping point".
With one in four new cars sold being electric, many households and businesses are looking to invest in EVs and personal chargers to avoid relying on the UK's public charging network.
The acquisition of EO Charging has been described as an "exciting moment" by Pod, which noted that businesses were facing greater issues in making the switch away from petrol and diesel.
It cited limited grid capacity and lengthy connection times as a massive hurdle for the electrification of fleets across the UK and Europe.
EO Charging provides specialist depot charging software, allowing businesses to manage their charging and optimise energy usage.
Pod has confirmed that it has acquired EO Charging
|POD
The company has already partnered with the likes of Amazon, DHL and Tesco, all of whom have a range of electric vans in their lineup.
Pod has more than 300,000 customers, while its range of home and workplace chargers helps power over five million miles every day.
Melanie Lane, CEO of Pod, said: "We're delighted to welcome EO Charging into the Pod family at such an exciting moment for fleet electrification, with their specialist depot charging capabilities strongly complementing Pod's existing strengths in smart charging and flexibility.
"Together, we're expanding Pod's role at the centre of the UK's shift towards smarter, more connected electric mobility."
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Pod is one of the most popular home charger options for electric vehicle owners
| PODExisting EO Charging customers will continue to receive "stable and uninterrupted" service as Pod launches support for depot charging operators.
It comes almost a year after Pod was acquired by French energy giant EDF, which is one of the largest suppliers of electric vehicle tariffs for homeowners.
The Pod Drive subscription offer helps drivers save over £1,000 and provides cashback on up to 7,500 "smart-charged" miles per year.
Pod confirmed that it, alongside EDF, would integrate smart charging services at depots to further electrify businesses across the UK.
Pod is partnered with Tesco and has already provided more than 14.3 million charging sessions since 2019
| PODPhilippe Commaret, managing director for customers at EDF, said the company's aim was to help more drivers and businesses make the transition to cleaner technologies.
He added: "Helping our business customers reduce their bills and increase their competitiveness is central to our strategy.
"This acquisition allows our Pod subsidiary to help vehicle fleets benefit from electrification, improving their efficiency while also reducing their carbon emissions."