EV Subscription Service Partners with Shell for Expanded Charging Access

Onto and Shell Collaborate to Expand EV Charging Access

Onto, a UK-based electric vehicle subscription service, has formed a strategic alliance with Shell. This collaboration aims to provide Onto’s subscribers with enhanced access to charging infrastructure.

The partnership, revealed by Shell on Tuesday, will grant Onto customers utilization of over 3,400 Shell Recharge points located throughout the UK.

Addressing Charging Concerns for EV Adopters

“The transition to an electric car can be daunting for many drivers,” explained Rob Jolly, CEO of Onto, in a recent interview with TechCrunch. “Concerns surrounding charging availability are prevalent, and we are dedicated to making electric vehicles both accessible and financially viable. This partnership with Shell represents a significant advancement in that direction.”

This isn't the first such agreement for Onto. The company operates on an “all-inclusive” subscription basis, encompassing maintenance, vehicle tax, insurance, and charging costs within a single monthly payment.

Expanding Network Partnerships

Prior to this, Onto had already established network partnerships with both BP and Tesla. The company is actively diversifying its electric vehicle fleet.

Beyond its initial offerings of Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, and Renault vehicles, Onto recently added Hyundai to its available options last month.

Anticipating Increased EV Demand

Preliminary data from the IEA indicates that sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have surpassed 3 million units, achieving a market share exceeding 4%.

While 4% doesn't signify market saturation, industry analysts anticipate that current charging infrastructure will face increasing strain as the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow.

Several major automakers, including VW, GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Rivian, are scheduled to launch new electric vehicle models in 2021, further accelerating this trend.

The increased demand necessitates expanded charging solutions, and this partnership between Onto and Shell is a proactive step towards meeting those needs.

The Shift Towards EV Subscriptions

A significant change is occurring in the UK automotive market. Currently, over 90% of individuals purchasing new cars opt for financing rather than outright purchase, a stark contrast to trends observed just a few decades prior.

Rob Jolly posits that the EV subscription model represents the subsequent stage in the automotive industry’s development. This is particularly relevant as the UK, alongside other nations, progresses towards prohibiting the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles.

The Appeal of Flexible EV Access

Jolly emphasizes that Onto’s EV subscription pricing is comparable to traditional premium financing options. However, these subscriptions eliminate substantial initial deposits and the complexities associated with locating and paying for charging infrastructure.

A key challenge is accessibility. “Forty percent of UK residents lack access to off-street parking,” Jolly explains. This creates uncertainty as drivers transition from familiar refueling methods to the nuances of EV charging.

Partnership with Shell for Charging Solutions

The collaboration with Shell aims to address this challenge. Drivers are now considering various charging locations – near their homes, along their commutes, or at their workplaces.

Shell’s UK network comprises over 950 charging points. This includes both Shell Recharge rapid (50 kWh) and high-powered (150 kWh) chargers, all powered by renewable energy. Additionally, the network incorporates ultra-high power (350 kWh) chargers through the Shell Recharge and Ionity partnership.

Onto customers can easily locate participating charging stations via the company’s app or online map. Furthermore, all subscribers receive Shell Recharge cards for convenient access to the network.

Shell’s Transition to EV Infrastructure

This partnership aligns with Shell’s broader strategy of transitioning from traditional gas stations to EV charging stations. The company initiated this shift in 2019 with the acquisition of Greenlots, an EV charging developer based in Los Angeles.

Further solidifying this commitment, Shell acquired Ubitricity in the UK earlier this year. They have also announced ambitious plans to deploy 500,000 new EV charging stations globally within the next four years.