294 The Raw Charging Episode

Raw Charging is a UK charging network operator (a CPO) that runs public EV charging sites. In this episode, they discuss how their charging strategy works, including destination charging and rapid charging.

A ChargePoint Operator (CPO) is the company that owns and operates charging hardware and manages the charging network. CPOs are distinct from e-mobility service providers (which may handle apps, payments, and customer experience).

ChargeY is one of the UK EV charging operators mentioned as part of the podcast’s broader survey of major networks. It’s included here as an example of the variety of CPOs the host has interviewed over time.

Destination charging refers to EV charging installed at places where drivers park for longer periods—like hotels, retail centers, or workplaces. It’s typically aimed at AC charging and is designed to fit everyday routines rather than quick top-ups on the road.

Rapid charging is faster-than-standard public charging intended for shorter stops, often on routes or at high-traffic locations. It’s commonly discussed alongside “ultra-rapid” charging, which pushes power even higher for quicker sessions.

AC charging infrastructure uses alternating current to charge the EV, with the vehicle typically handling conversion to DC for the battery. Destination sites often favor AC because it’s well-suited to longer parking durations and can be easier to deploy.

Dwell time is how long a vehicle stays connected to a charger (or how long people stay at the destination). In EV charging, longer dwell time usually makes it easier to use slower AC charging efficiently, while shorter dwell time pushes drivers toward ultra-rapid charging.

AC charging is alternating-current charging, usually delivered at lower power than DC fast charging. For many destination sites, AC can be sufficient because drivers are parked longer, and it can reduce cost and infrastructure complexity compared with ultra-rapid DC.

A “socket” is a charging connector/port at a station. Saying the network has grown to 500 sockets is a way to describe charging capacity in terms of how many vehicles can plug in at once across locations.

Utilisation is how much the chargers are actually used over time—often measured by sessions, hours occupied, or energy delivered. For EV networks, utilisation affects revenue, staffing/operations, and whether adding more chargers at a site makes sense.

Seasonality is the predictable change in charging demand across the year (and sometimes by month or week). EV networks use this to forecast utilization, decide where to deploy chargers, and adjust pricing to match peak periods.

Ride-hailing and delivery fleets can create consistent, high utilization because vehicles run many hours per day and need frequent charging. Networks often see different demand profiles from fleets versus leisure drivers, which affects how chargers are sized and located.

Integrating charging into destination sites means designing the charging offering around how the location is used, including expected dwell time and traffic patterns. The hosts describe using a primary use case first, then adding secondary/tertiary use cases that may require different charger types and speeds.

DC rapid speed refers to DC fast charging, which delivers direct current to the vehicle’s battery system (bypassing the car’s onboard AC-to-DC conversion). It’s intended for shorter stops than AC charging, like charging during lunch or a gym session.

DC ultra rapid charging is the highest-power tier of DC fast charging, designed to minimize charging time for drivers who need quick top-ups. In practice, the exact power level depends on the charger and vehicle, but the goal is maximum speed for shorter dwell times.

An ultra-fast EV charger is designed to deliver very high power so vehicles can add a lot of charge quickly. The exact speed depends on the charger’s kW rating and the car’s charging capability, but the goal is minimizing time spent plugged in.

The hosts describe a “use case approach” to choosing charging locations—meaning they design sites around how drivers actually behave (time on charger, trip purpose, and nearby amenities). This is a key EV charging strategy because the best placement depends on whether the site is for quick top-ups, destination charging, or route coverage.

“350 kilowatt” refers to the charger’s power output rating, which strongly influences how quickly an EV can charge. Higher kW can reduce charging time, but the vehicle may taper power as the battery fills, so real-world time savings vary by car and state of charge.

“AC units” are chargers that supply alternating current, typically used for slower charging compared with high-power DC fast chargers. Many EVs can charge on AC, but the onboard charger limits how quickly you can fill the battery.

A “charging hub” is a strategically placed EV charging location designed to serve high-throughput charging needs, often with multiple stalls and a mix of power levels. The discussion highlights how early network growth used specific site types and partnerships to create reliable, scalable charging infrastructure.

Field Dynamics is a data and analytics company focused on location-based insights. In the episode, they’re described as providing a dataset that helps EV charging businesses evaluate where charging should go.

Traffic flows describe how vehicles move through an area—typically including volume and patterns over time. For EV charging, higher and more relevant traffic can indicate stronger demand, while location-specific flow helps predict how many drivers will pass and potentially stop.

Off-street parking is parking located on private property or dedicated lots rather than along public roads. For EV charging, it matters because it affects how easily drivers can access chargers and whether charging can be installed safely and legally.

On-street parking is parking along public roads. In EV charging planning, it’s a key factor because it influences feasibility, permitting, and how drivers reach chargers compared with locations that have dedicated off-street spaces.

“Charging location speed” refers to the charging power/speed a site is intended to support (e.g., faster charging vs slower charging). The transcript frames it as something you decide based on local conditions and expected usage.

EV site selection strategy is the process of choosing the best locations for charging based on demand, access, and practical constraints. The hosts describe using data to compare sites and then using that to decide both whether a site works and how to configure chargers there.

Population density is used as a proxy for local demand—more people nearby generally means more potential EV drivers and higher charging utilization. The transcript frames it as a major driver for ultra-rapid charging placement.

Destination AC charging is slower, AC-based charging placed at places where drivers stay for a while—like hotels, attractions, or restaurants. The transcript suggests it’s driven more by distance traveled and what’s happening at the destination than by pure highway traffic.

The phrase describes a multi-factor site selection approach: combining demand signals (traffic, population) with trip/destination behavior to estimate where charging will be used. It’s essentially a data-driven model for deciding which locations to invest in.

“Utilization is lower” means the chargers aren’t being used as much as expected, which can happen if sites are built before EV adoption ramps up. The transcript ties this to how operators adjust investment decisions over time.

The transcript mentions “national trust site” as an example of a destination where charging may be visible to listeners. This is relevant because it illustrates how charging is often paired with places people visit and stay for a while.

CPO stands for “Charge Point Operator,” the company that owns and operates charging hardware and manages site performance. The transcript compares different CPO strategies and where they tend to place chargers.

InstaVault is referenced as another charging operator with a different site strategy—placing chargers around McDonald’s locations. This kind of “destination” placement can align charging with short stops and predictable foot traffic.

Osprey Charging is mentioned as placing chargers around specific retail/destination areas (the transcript cuts off mid-sentence). The key takeaway is that different operators choose different site types based on expected demand and dwell time.

A rapid charger is an EV charging station designed to deliver much higher power than standard home charging. The goal is to reduce charging time so drivers can top up during errands or on longer trips.

Those kilowatt ratings describe charging power levels for AC charging. Higher kW generally means faster charging, but AC at these levels is still typically slower than DC fast charging.

“Destination archetype locations” refers to the traditional places EV charging has been placed—often where people park for longer (like shopping, hotels, or leisure areas). The discussion contrasts that with faster “enroute” charging found along busy corridors.

DC charging (direct current) sends power to the vehicle in a way that bypasses the car’s onboard AC-to-DC conversion. That’s why DC charging is typically used for faster charging than AC.

A substation is electrical infrastructure that steps down or manages high-voltage power distribution to safely supply large charging loads. Ultra-fast charging hubs often require a dedicated substation to provide enough power for multiple bays.

“Super hub territory” refers to the industry trend toward larger, more centralized charging locations with many ultra-fast bays. The idea is to improve reliability and convenience by concentrating capacity where demand and traffic are highest.

Lansik is described as a real estate organization whose retail portfolio is being used for EV charging deployment. The segment emphasizes how charging operators secure sites by partnering with property owners and investing across multiple locations.

Escape York is given as an example location in the Lansik retail portfolio, positioned near the M62 and described as both a leisure destination and a stop for travelers. It illustrates how charging hubs are placed where traffic and dwell time overlap.

Enroute charging is charging that’s intended for drivers while traveling, typically near major roads and arterial routes. It’s designed for short stops (like topping up during a trip) rather than long “destination” parking.

The hosts reference a prior episode about the strategic road network, indicating a discussion focus on how charging infrastructure relates to major road corridors. This is a structural topic marker for where charging deployment is planned.

“Ultra-rapid” is a marketing/industry term for very high-power DC fast charging, typically enabling much faster charge times than standard public chargers. Exact power levels vary by operator and charger model, but the key idea is speed and reduced charging stops.

This refers to planning EV charging around established destinations (retail, attractions, visitor sites) rather than only along roads. The strategy can improve driver experience by pairing charging with a reason to stop, while still targeting high-traffic routes.

This phrase contrasts a more opportunistic acquisition method with a planned rollout. In EV charging, “site-finding” can mean chasing available land, while a more disciplined approach aligns sites with demand, grid capacity, and route patterns.

The hosts discuss expanding EV charging coverage in the UK Southwest region, specifically referencing towns/areas like “Cornish Bourne and Bred.” This is a rollout-planning topic tied to where chargers should go next.

“Born” most likely refers to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 “Born” EV concept/trim name mentioned in the podcast context, but the provided snippet doesn’t clearly identify the exact vehicle. Because the transcript fragment is about regional wording (“Cornish Bourne and Bred”) rather than vehicle details, there isn’t enough information to accurately explain the specific car model being referenced. If you can share the exact sentence where the car name appears, I can generate a precise explanation.

“A3A3” appears to be a transcription of a UK road reference (likely the A3). The speaker is using the road location to describe where the charging hub sits relative to major routes.

Charging tariffs are the pricing schedules EV drivers pay for electricity at charging stations. They often vary by charger type (AC vs DC) and by speed tier (standard DC vs DC fast/rapid), and can also change with time-of-day or demand.

AC (alternating current) charging typically uses the car’s onboard charger to convert AC electricity to DC for the battery. Because the conversion happens in the vehicle, AC charging is usually slower and cheaper than DC fast charging.

“Pence per kilowatt hour” (p/kWh) is an energy-based unit rate for charging. It measures how much electricity the charger delivers, so two drivers charging the same amount of energy should pay similarly even if charging power differs.

Pay-as-you-go pricing means you’re charged based on your actual charging session rather than a fixed subscription. It’s common for public networks because it keeps costs flexible and avoids requiring long-term commitments.

Plug and charge is an EV charging method where the car and charger automatically authenticate and start the session when you plug in—without using an app, card, or manual steps. It relies on standardized communication so the billing and authorization can happen in the background.

Time-of-use incentives adjust pricing or benefits based on when you charge, to shift demand away from peak congestion. In practice, this can help keep stations available by encouraging some drivers to charge at less busy times.

A loyalty scheme is a rewards program that gives drivers benefits for using a charging network repeatedly. Here, it’s tied to promotions and site launches, which can influence driver behavior and repeat usage.

A “week of free charging” is a promotional incentive used to drive awareness and adoption of new charging sites. It can quickly build early utilization, but it’s also a short-term lever rather than a long-term pricing strategy.

The hosts are discussing a Manchester-based EV charging company that competes in the UK charging market. They mention it has recently taken over Mer and uses aggressive pricing to attract drivers.

“Mer” is referenced as a company that has been taken over by the Manchester-based EV charging operator. In this context, it matters because acquisitions can change network coverage, pricing, and how drivers experience charging.

Time-of-day tariffs charge different electricity prices depending on when you plug in or charge. The goal is to shift demand to off-peak hours, which can reduce costs for drivers and help grid operators manage load.

Octopus is mentioned as a strategic partner that helps the charging operator leverage an “ecosystem of energy and driver pricing.” Partnerships like this can bundle energy supply, app-based pricing, and charging offers into one customer proposition.

The guest emphasizes that their pricing model includes profitability hurdles to ensure long-term network sustainability. This highlights the trade-off between offering low prices to attract drivers and maintaining enough margin to fund operations and expansion.

The “Lancet portfolio” is referenced as a set of destinations where the operator is installing chargers. Destination charging locations (like retail centers) can influence utilization rates and the economics of charging networks.

Bluewater Shopping Centre is cited as an example destination where chargers are being installed. Destination sites like this are important because they can provide predictable parking demand and longer dwell times compared with highway charging.

A dynamic energy tariff means the electricity price changes over time (often based on grid demand or wholesale electricity costs). For EV charging, that can let operators pass through cheaper periods to drivers, improving the economics of charging. It’s essentially a pricing model that tracks real-time or time-varying energy costs.

Green King is a UK pub and hospitality company with an estate of pubs and restaurants. In this segment, the host describes a partnership where charging assets are placed at those locations. That matters because it creates convenient charging for drivers who can’t install home chargers.

A home charger is an EV charging unit installed at a driver’s residence, enabling convenient overnight charging. It typically reduces reliance on public charging and can lower costs if the home tariff is favorable. In the transcript, the lack of a home charger is used to explain why drivers would use public charging assets instead.

A charging network is the collection of public charging sites and the services that manage pricing, availability, and customer incentives. The segment frames “running a mature charging network” as involving pricing strategy, partnerships, and using incentives to keep chargers utilized. It’s not just hardware—it’s operations and demand management.

Pricing strategy here refers to how charging networks set electricity prices over time to balance utilization, revenue stability, and competitive dynamics. The speaker argues that sudden price changes can have unintended consequences, like losing customers if competitors react.

Unintended consequences in this context means that a pricing move can trigger second-order effects beyond the original goal. For example, a price cut might not only change utilization, but also invite new competitors or cause customer churn that’s hard to reverse.

A fixed cost base is spending that doesn’t change much with the number of charging sessions (e.g., site leases, maintenance staffing, network operations). When more sessions happen, those fixed costs are spread across more kWh, lowering the effective cost per kilowatt-hour and enabling lower pricing.

The speaker uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework for how EV charging decisions are influenced by different priorities. The idea is that practical needs (like getting charged reliably and quickly) come before more emotional or lifestyle-driven wants (like premium experience).

“Roaming operators” refers to the ecosystem of EV charging networks that interconnect so drivers can use chargers across different brands. This typically relies on back-end agreements (and sometimes apps/cards) that let one network’s customer access another network’s stations.

EMSP stands for “e-mobility service provider,” companies that provide charging access to drivers (often via apps, accounts, or roaming agreements). The segment references working with other networks and EMSPs, implying interoperability across provider ecosystems.

Roaming in EV charging means your account/app can work across multiple charging networks, not just the one you signed up with. “Roaming presence” refers to how widely a company’s chargers are reachable through partner networks and agreements.

“Vehicle dashboards” here likely refers to in-car interfaces and connectivity that can show charging info or integrate with charging services. The speaker suggests they’re confident their solution is aligned with how drivers interact with charging through the car’s UI.

Zap-Map is a popular EV charging app/site used to find chargers and plan charging. Here, it’s described as the speaker’s “go to tool,” and they discuss potentially adding app functionality via Zap-Map rather than building everything in-house.

The segment frames EV charging apps as a usability problem: if every operator had its own app, drivers would face an overwhelming number of downloads. The concept discussed is reducing friction by making charging repeatable and justifiable without forcing constant app switching.

Contactless charging means you can start a session using a tap-to-pay method (like a card or phone) rather than relying on a specific app. The speaker argues it’s essential for both AC and DC charging so drivers aren’t forced to download and manage many apps.

AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) describe different ways chargers deliver power to an EV. DC fast charging typically provides higher power and faster charging, while AC is often used for slower charging.

LandSec is referenced as a partner whose asset management and consumer teams are involved in deploying charging infrastructure. The key point is that site owners often shape the charging experience through site planning, customer targeting, and data-driven decisions.

The ChargePoint app is the driver-facing software used to find chargers, start sessions, and view pricing/charging details. The segment highlights a real-world UX issue: the app couldn’t display the price and instead showed that pricing varies over time.

“22-kilowatt” refers to the charger’s power rating (22 kW), which strongly influences how fast the EV can add energy. Higher kW generally means faster charging, but actual speed still depends on the car’s onboard charging limits and the charger’s real-time availability.

The speaker refers to UK public charging regulations (2023) that are intended to improve transparency—especially around pricing—so drivers can know what they’ll pay before starting a session. The complaint is that the app showed “price varies over time,” which conflicts with the expectation of upfront pricing.

PAS 1899 is a UK standard related to accessibility for EV charging—covering how chargers should be designed and how information should be presented so more drivers can use them. The segment suggests it’s recommended but not always enforced, which can lead to inconsistent accessibility outcomes.

“Accessible charging provisions” means EV charging sites are designed to be usable by drivers with disabilities. That typically includes things like appropriate space layout, safe access paths, and charger placement so people can reach the connector comfortably.

A “software-based solution” in this context means using apps, booking systems, or digital guidance to improve how drivers access charging. Instead of relying only on physical layout, software can coordinate availability, reservations, and user-specific needs.

“Reservable bays” are EV charging spots that drivers can book ahead of time. For accessibility needs, reserving a bay can reduce uncertainty and provide peace of mind that a charger will be available at a specific time.

“Amenities” refers to on-site facilities that make charging trips more comfortable—like restrooms and sheltered areas. For drivers, especially on longer routes, amenities can turn charging from a chore into a more tolerable stop.

Fastead is mentioned as another operator that provides canopy coverage at charging locations. In the EV charging world, canopy-equipped sites can improve usability by protecting users and cables from rain and sun.

Canopies are protective roofs over EV chargers that shield users, vehicles, and cables from rain and sun. The episode treats canopies as more than aesthetics—there are planning considerations, and they can be especially important for accessibility and safety when users must handle heavy charging cables.