When Chris Kelly, CEO and co-founder, set up EasyGo a decade ago, he said people “thought he was mad”. At the time, electric vehicles (EVs) weren’t as prevalent in the public awareness as they are today, but even then, Kelly knew that a reliable national network of EV charging units would be required. The company first concentrated on installing individual chargers in homes, apartment complexes, hotels and workspaces. It quickly became clear that there was a fast-developing need for public and private charging points across the country both for individual drivers but also for businesses that needed support reaching their ESG targets.
Expanding the network
Fast forward and EasyGo is now the country’s largest private car charging network in Ireland, with over 4,000 chargers nationwide and plans in train to dramatically increase this number. EasyGo also works closely with organisations and businesses such as Bord Na Mona and Lidl to electrify fleets and provide employees with EV charging units, at home and at work.
“In addition to our existing 4,000 smaller individual chargers, the plan is to install another 3,000 fast chargers – devices that can charge a car to about 80 per cent in 30-40 minutes or less, by 2032. We also plan to install around 20,000 smaller chargers to be used in workplaces and apartment complexes where people park for longer or overnight over the next seven or eight years. We pride ourselves on the reliability and quality of our service, with consistent network uptimes of 97 per cent plus.”
Driving sustainability at work and at home
Sustainability is a serious subject at EasyGo. The company’s mission statement is to “decarbonise transport by providing accessible and efficient EV charging points across Ireland”. EasyGo also acts as a strategic advisor to businesses across Ireland who are seeking to electrify their fleet: “As ESG and sustainability targets become increasingly acute, we want to support other businesses as they make the transition to EVs. I am always contactable for information and guidance at fleethelp@easygo.ie.”
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On 15 February 2024, Government announced a €21 million investment in grants to boost the development of the EV charging infrastructure on the Irish road network.
Chris says EasyGo welcomes the news as drivers need to be reassured that the required charging infrastructure is there to ensure a reliable driving experience: “We are encouraged to see the Government focusing on providing key charging infrastructure in public spaces such as hotels and retail. We have said for some time that given Ireland’s geographical size, we should be looking at a strategy of charging when you stop, not stopping to charge. This will reduce the need for unnecessary stops on a driver’s journey and this initiative is a welcome step towards that strategy.”
When expanding the network, Kelly says the company – and any other networks installing similar chargers – has to be careful not to just install devices in areas that will be more lucrative: “It’s important to make sure the sustainability plan is not just governed by profitability but also usability and what incentives drivers require to make the move to EVs. We’ve got to get chargers into more remote areas in the country, to support rural businesses and communities as well as sectors such as tourism.”
Financing the operation
EasyGo is a capital-intensive business with a lot of outlay required to get off the ground. “Last year we raised €30 million funding through private funding with Aviva.” says Kelly. The funding will support the direct creation of 60 Irish jobs, as well as the expansion of the car charging network nationwide.
Funding is essential at the early stages because while EasyGo owns the charge points, upfront capital is required to install them. AIB was a fundamental part of growing the business and Kelly has found them to be a strong source of support and encouragement throughout the journey.
“I’ve personally been a customer of AIB for 30 years and found them very helpful. When it came time to grow our business, I knew I could work well with them. There is always a personal touch guiding us along the way.”
Aligning ideologies
Sustainability is a strategic priority for AIB as we seek to help protect our fragile planet from the devastating impact of climate change, says AIB’s head of SME banking, John Brennan. He says the bank does this by reducing its own carbon footprint and helping its customers to do the same.
“Our customer EasyGo provides effective solutions for electric vehicle charging and this kind of practical support will make the transition to a low carbon economy easier for the thousands of people choosing electric vehicles,” he explains. “The great work by EasyGo aligns with AIB’s strategy to offer innovative financial solutions to our 3.2 million customers and to grow our green lending, including to customers who want to make the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles.”
Gridlock reduction
In parallel with EasyGo’s own mission and to support nationwide sustainability targets, EasyGo is investigating and developing smarter features with technology, including how to better manage the energy needed to charge cars. “The charging and grid infrastructure needs to rapidly scale and optimise in order to meet the increased demand for EVs. It’s one thing increasing the number of EVs, but if everyone plugged in their car at the same time and expected it to be charged at the fastest charge, the grid wouldn’t be able for it,” Kelly explains. The grid operates over 24 hours so it’s about “being clever and using technologies to balance the power. We work closely with partners such as the ESB to manage the overall infrastructure to ensure people are getting the electricity when they want, when they need it.”
“As a company at the forefront of the electrifying revolution, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our team of skilled managers, engineers and technicians are continuously exploring new ways to make our mission of decarbonising transport expanding the EV charging infrastructure a reality.”
To find out more about AIB’s green lending click here