Streamlined UK Charging for European Drivers: Source & Last Mile Solutions

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and cross-border travellers, EV charging operator Source has joined forces with Last Mile Solutions, a leading provider of EV charging and energy transaction management platforms. This groundbreaking partnership is set to revolutionise the experience for European visitors driving in the UK, making EV charging not only simpler but also more accessible.

Thanks to this collaboration, European drivers will now be able to utilise their existing charge cards at Source’s ultra-rapid charging hubs across the UK. This means there’s no need for cumbersome app downloads or the creation of new accounts, streamlining the charging process significantly for those visiting from abroad. The ease of use is crucial, especially for the millions of European visitors who drive into the UK each year, and this partnership directly addresses the barriers they face in cross-border electric travel.

Last Mile Solutions boasts one of the most extensive charging networks in Europe, with over 1.1 million charging stations linked to its platform. The company facilitates more than 3.5 million charging sessions each month across the continent and manages a staggering 1.3 million active charge cards. This impressive infrastructure will now be readily available to drivers in the UK, enhancing the overall EV charging landscape.

Alice Aprile-Smith, the head of partnerships and business development at Source—which is jointly owned by SSE and TotalEnergies—underscored the importance of this partnership. She stated, “Source is committed to building the UK and Ireland’s most reliable charging network, and that means serving all drivers who need us—whether they’re UK fleet operators or European visitors. This partnership demonstrates our data-driven approach to site selection and customer needs.”

Aprile-Smith elaborated on the significance of this collaboration, highlighting that it goes beyond simply installing charge points. “We’re not just building charge points; we’re building confidence. A driver from Amsterdam can now charge at our Pompey Centre hub in Portsmouth using exactly the same card they use at home,” she affirmed, emphasising the seamless integration this partnership offers.

Beyond benefiting individual drivers, this partnership also presents substantial operational advantages for UK fleet managers. Companies with vehicles travelling to Europe can now access a network of charging stations across 22 countries through a single relationship with Source. Furthermore, domestic operations will enjoy simplified billing and automated reimbursement for home charging, which is a significant enhancement for fleet management.

“Fleet operators tell us they want operational simplicity without compromising on reliability,” Aprile-Smith noted. “This partnership delivers exactly that—one relationship, one bill, but with access to our comprehensive monitoring and the peace of mind that comes from our enhanced service level agreements. We’re extending our stress-free charging experience across borders while maintaining the safety and accessibility standards that recently earned us a 4.32 ChargeSafe rating at our Ocean Terminal site in Edinburgh.”

Martina Raschi, head of roaming and partnerships at Last Mile Solutions, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The UK is a key market for Last Mile Solutions, and that’s why partnering with Source is such an exciting step for us. We expanded our operations to the UK last autumn, and we’re thrilled to grow our presence further. With access to over 1.1 million charge points across Europe through our platform, we’re ensuring that EV charging becomes more accessible to all drivers and that our partners have a robust network to expand their business.”

This partnership is also a significant leap forward in Source’s ambitious expansion plans, aiming to establish 300 charging hubs by 2030. The company is targeting a substantial 20% market share in the ultra-rapid charging sector, which is crucial as the demand for fast and efficient charging solutions continues to rise. Source’s ultra-rapid 160kW chargers are specifically designed to cater to both domestic and international drivers, ensuring that everyone can benefit from reliable and speedy charging services.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, the importance of creating an integrated and user-friendly charging network cannot be overstated. This partnership between Source and Last Mile Solutions is a promising step in that direction, making electric vehicle travel between the UK and Europe not only feasible but also enjoyable. With the right infrastructure in place, we can encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric, supporting our collective goal of achieving net zero emissions.

As we look ahead, the implications of this partnership are profound. The enhanced accessibility of charging stations will undoubtedly encourage more European visitors to drive electric vehicles during their stay in the UK, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions from transport. This is a win-win situation—not only for the environment but also for the growing community of electric vehicle drivers who seek convenience and efficiency in their travel experience.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Source and Last Mile Solutions is a vital step towards a more interconnected and sustainable charging network in Europe. By making EV charging easier and more accessible for all drivers, they are paving the way for a greener future where electric vehicles become the norm rather than the exception. Together, we can drive towards a net zero future, one charge at a time.

This rewritten piece is structured to engage readers of the Net Zero News Network while maintaining a focus on the key points of the original article. The content has been expanded to provide a comprehensive overview of the partnership and its implications for electric vehicle users and the environment.