Virta & Jersey Electricity to renew Jersey's EV charging network

Virta entered into an agreement with Jersey Electricity (JE) at the end of 2022 with operations commencing at the beginning of 2023. The project covers a complete upgrade of Jersey’s ageing public EV charging network.  

Jersey’s public charging network, known as Evolve, is owned and provided by JE. The partnership with Virta enables JE to leverage ever-improving software and solution capabilities, and affords JE the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for customers. 

The physical charging points are being upgraded as a part of the infrastructure investment. For EV drivers, this will mean a smoother and more convenient charging experience, as well as the opportunity to use a single application both in the Island as well as anywhere in the Virta European and UK-wide network. Across the Virta network, and with roaming agreements included, this will mean over 90,000 chargers across Europe.

Werner Bornman, Director of Technology at JE, says: “The new Evolve network will be a significant step forward for Islanders who charge their EVs on the public charging network. It also paves the way for the development of new products and services across private networks and home charging. Whilst the existing Evolve platform has served the Island well, technology and innovation in the EV market has rapidly evolved in recent years, so this is the right time for this project. The platform brings increased flexibility and will also make it easier for local EV drivers to access international public charging networks and for overseas visitors driving in Jersey.”

“JE is committed to ensuring Jersey EV drivers have access to a “next generation” charging network that meets their charging needs. This is an exciting time for public EV charging.”

Virta is providing a complete turnkey solution and supplying JE with charger management, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and a full scope of payment solutions covering the Island's public EV charging network. Although the Island is only 9 by 5 miles in size with a population of just over 100,000, there are about 130,000 vehicles in Jersey. With the increasing adoption of EVs comes the demand for fast, reliable, and convenient charging, which were the main reasons JE chose Virta.

“Virta and JE have already started the process of upgrading more than 100 charging points. The plan for the short-term future is to simultaneously expand the network while upgrading the aged chargers. In the future, we will focus on ensuring there is the option for consumers to charge their vehicles, as it becomes easier to switch to electric in the future,” says Stuart Tolley, GEO Director for Virta UK. 

About Jersey Electricity 

Jersey Electricity is a vertically integrated power utility dealing in the importation, generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, serving around 50,000 domestic and commercial customers. Providing affordable, secure, and sustainable energy is its core objective and its vision is to help inspire a zero-carbon future. 

As Jersey’s energy partner, JE delivers electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the growing demand for low carbon transportation. Through the public charging network Evolve and home charging solution Easycharge, JE is leading the charge towards helping the Island reduce emissions from transportation. 

www.evolve.je 

About Virta 

Virta is a leading smart EV charging platform in Europe. It was ranked on the Financial Times 1,000 Europe's Fastest Growing Companies list for the fourth time in a row in 2023.

Virta’s digital EV charging platform is used by over 1,000 private and public companies and organizations in retail, hotel, real estate, parking, petrol retail, automotive, and energy industries. These customers operate over 90,000 chargers in 35 countries, forming the “Powered by Virta” network. Roaming included, EV drivers can access over 400,000 charging points in over 65 countries. 

Virta builds a more sustainable future by making EV charging easier for EV drivers and profitable for companies, and by connecting EVs to the energy system. Virta has 34 patent families with a focus on energy management capabilities, which are central to the future connected energy and mobility ecosystem. 

www.virta.global