Octopus launches huge new partnership to save thousands of drivers £1,100 a year - 'Significant step!'

When making use of the new scheme, drivers could save around £1,100 a year by using Electroverse's network of chargers in the UK for the first time.

The new partnership is rolling out across 180 major cities in Britain, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland.

Eligible drivers can start saving by linking their Freenow account to the Octopus Electroverse platform in the UK and abroad.

Electroverse already serves more than one million drivers, giving them access to a staggering eight in 10 public chargers across the continent.

Commenting on the launch, Matt Davies, founder and director of Octopus Electroverse, said the service had already slashed costs for more than one million drivers.

He noted that it had made public charging "simpler and cheaper", while the new partnership with Freenow by Lyft brings further discounts for taxi drivers and fleets.

Mr Davies added: "And with their drivers spending so much of their day on the road, being able to help them find chargers quickly and charge affordably is fantastic - and who doesn’t love snapping up savings of over 40 per cent?"

Through the new partnership, fleets will be able to benefit further with a "special bonus" on their charging sessions.

The first two months of the charging subscription will be completely free, allowing fleets to unlock further benefits from the likes of Ionity, Osprey, Powerdot and more.

Drivers can access a route planner designed around available chargers, a built-in charger map and in-car support via Apple CarPlay through the Electroverse service.

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular every day, with figures showing that a new public charger is installed every 13 minutes, while a new car is registered almost every minute.

Zero emission cars make up more than one-fifth of the total market share every month, with drivers routinely turning their backs on petrol and diesel vehicles.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that almost 30,000 new electric cars were registered in January, making it the second-best-selling powertrain on the market.

Labour's Electric Car Grant has also helped drivers get their hands on cleaner vehicles, with maximum offers of up to £3,750 available for more than 40 vehicles from brands including Ford, Mini, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Felix Brand, chief strategy officer at Freenow by Lyft, explained that the company was "incredibly happy" with the new partnership with Octopus Electroverse.

He continued, saying: "This is a significant step in supporting our thousands of EV drivers and fleet operators by directly tackling one of their daily operational costs.

"By making the transition to electric vehicles more financially appealing, we hope to encourage more drivers to make the switch, supporting cities in reducing emissions and accelerating their journey toward climate-neutral, fully electrified transport systems."