Renault has announced that British Gas will be its preferred supplier of vehicle charging points for its range of electric car and vans in the UK.
The deal builds on British Gas’ agreement with Renault’s alliance partner, Nissan, to be the preferred supplier of charge points to its electric car, the Leaf.
The agreement with Renault means that British Gas will supply and install electric vehicle charge points in homes and businesses across the country. Renault launches the electric Kangoo Van Z.E. later this year, followed by a family of fully-electric cars – the new Fluence Z.E. and Zoe car models and a tandem two-seater, the Twizy.
Customers will pay from £995 including VAT for the domestic installation of a charging point by one of British Gas’ network of installers.
Renault said that “charging points are more convenient and safer than plugging vehicles directly into the home electricity system and will cut the charging time by a third”.
Research shows that 59% of charging in 2020 will be at home, compared to 32% at work and only 9% will use public charging.
British Gas has also recently announced an electricity tariff designed specifically for electric car owners. This will make it cheaper to charge vehicles overnight and could save customers as much as £1200 a year compared to owners of petrol vehicles. British Gas is trialling the tariff with customers this summer and the new tariff will be available from the beginning of 2012.
Dean Keeling, managing director of British Gas Smart Homes, said: “The market for electric vehicles in Britain is growing fast. With our national network of electrical engineers, our electricity supply business, our solar panel business and our roll out of smart meters, British Gas is well placed to be at the forefront of that market. We can help owners power their electric vehicles for less money and from renewable sources.”
Thierry Sybord, managing director of Renault UK, said: “The electric revolution is on its way and Renault is leading the pack with its full range of electric vehicles. Partnering with British Gas, Britain’s biggest supplier of electricity to homes, means Renault Z.E. customers can access competitive, quality charging technology and rely upon a prompt and professional service. We selected British Gas for the strength of their service network, the quality and competitiveness of the wallbox offering and the strength of their marketing.”
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