The industry gathered in London recently to recognise the best people and products in the electric vehicle industry. Here are the winners.
INNOVATION AWARDS
INNOVATION IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES
WINNER > Ohme
EV charging specialist Ohme is continuing its work in delivering EV charging software and hardware with unique services to optimise the customer experience, charging cost and CO2 footprint of the vehicle.
This includes two new core products: Fleet Data Streams and the Ohme Home Pro. These complement the Ohme Go and Ohme Fleet Management platform and enable vehicles to charge residentially, in a workplace or on the go, and for the fleet to collect information on a series of chargers, reimburse drivers or feed major fleet payroll aggregators.
Billed as the lowest-cost smart enabled charger available on the market, the Ohme Home Pro launched in September last year. It identifies the vehicle, the energy tariff and the driver’s commuting schedule and delivers the charge to the vehicle in the lowest cost and lowest CO2 way possible.
The Ohme Home Pro is a complementary product to the Ohme Go cable solution, which can charge a vehicle through a commando socket and is able to perform the same energy and cost-saving advantages operated through the app as the wall charger. Ohme also has its own fleet management platform, which enables centralised reporting of energy data (CO2/Cost) – particularly valuable for fleets that wish to reimburse the driver above the level of AER, paying the driver or utility bill directly.
For companies using fleet aggregators such as TMC or Mina/Fleetcor for payroll integration and reporting, Ohme Data Platforms is able to share rich data quality that enables all Ohme devices fitted across its European footprint to share connected data.
All part of Ohme’s work to help drive EV adoption in the most sustainable way possible.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > LeasePlan
INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY
WINNER > TMC
As electric vehicles fast-rise in prominence in the fleet sector, TMC is assisting clients in the transition with a number of different EV reimbursement methods.
Based on a fully flexible approach, these cater for different reimbursement options, from cars to commercial vehicles and grey fleet – and distinguish between those who do high business miles (the job need fleet) versus perk drivers.
While many companies continue with the Advisory Electricity Rate (AER) of 5ppm, this leaves many drivers out of pocket, particularly with energy prices soaring.
Instead, TMC’s solutions have been designed to be simple, ground-breaking and ensure that drivers are fairly reimbursed for their domestic energy costs – and draw on TMC’s expertise in mileage reimbursements for fuel. The business has also invested heavily in EV functionality underpinned by its payroll file and expense management solutions.
It offers various methods for reimbursement, including the ability to reimburse employees at actual cost using telematics data, charge point data or a driver’s self-declaration too. TMC can also incorporate data directly from public charge point providers in auto-reimbursement.
All reimbursement options can be paid to the driver via payroll, expense claim or direct to the energy provider – and provide a unique and elegant solution for those fleet managers and HR directors who wish to provide an at-cost solution to the driver that’s both fair and equitable.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Gridserve
VEHICLE AWARDS
BEST EV CITY CAR
WINNER > Fiat 500-e
Proving that not all EVs have to have a huge range, the battery powered Fiat 500 is ideally suited to the urban environment. Fun to drive and cheap to run, and the design still looks fresh and modern.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Honda e
BEST EV SUPERMINI
WINNER > Peugeot e-208
An impressive range from the small car is just one of the many redeeming features of the e-208. Drivers love the performance offered by the EV powertrain and also the spacious and well-equipped interior.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Vauxhall Corsa-e
BEST EV SMALL SUV
WINNER > Kia e-Niro
Helping to dismiss any driver’s issues with range anxiety, the e-Niro is a fantastic choice for those looking to transition from ICE to battery power. Entertaining to drive, too, which is a bonus!
HIGHLY COMMENDED > MG ZS EV
BEST EV LOWER-MEDIUM SUV
WINNER > Volkswagen ID.3
The much-awaited first modern-day, mass-produced electric car from Volkswagen doesn’t disappoint. Decent range and interior makes it an attractive proposition for those looking to move away from ICE power.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > MG 5
BEST EV MEDIUM SUV
WINNER > Audi Q4 e-tron
The SUV market continues to get more and more competitive, but the Q4 e-tron stands out with it quality interior, impressive driving dynamics and a whole host of onboard technologies and safety systems. A groundbreaking car for Audi.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Škoda Enyaq
BEST EV COMPACT EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > Kia EV6
The EV6 has taken the EV sector by storm with its clever technologies, spacious interior and great performance. The fact that it has won awards as a premium product speaks volumes.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Hyundai IONIQ 5
BEST EV EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > Porsche Taycan
Proof that Porsche performance and electrification is a combination that really works. The Taycan might be a big car, but it is still relatively agile – plus it offers versatility with its different body styles.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Mercedes-Benz EQS
BEST EV VAN
WINNER > Citroën ë-Dispatch / Peugeot e-Expert / Vauxhall Vivaro-e / Toyota Proace-electric
Demand for electric vans is growing rapidly and the quartet from Stellantis and Toyota continues to be among the most attractive propositions on the market. Competitive pricing and payload, as well as one of the longest ranges on a full charge with the 75kWh battery. Competition is growing but these are still the benchmark electric vans.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > LEVC VN5
ONE TO WATCH
WINNER > Nissan Ariya
Nissan won a lot of admirers in the early days of electrification with the LEAF. Now, with a larger, more advanced model, there are signs that the Japanese manufacturer will repeat its success in the popular SUV segment with Ariya.
