As the EXPLORER EV Rally gears up for 2025, Drax Electric Vehicles returns for a second year with even bigger plans and stronger team spirit. GREENFLEET speaks to Drax's Naomi Nye about her highlights from last year, and what’s new for this year

This is second year that Drax will have participated in the EV Rally; what made you decide to get involved again this year?

Last year all those involved had so much fun and we didn’t want any FOMO in 2025! We really enjoyed being a part of the rally, learning about other companies taking part and how we could collaborate. Hosting a checkpoint was great to tell the Drax story to those on the rally and we’ve got bigger and better plans this year.

What were your highlights from last year’s Rally?

There were so many to mention, I’m sure Rosario would say my singing! Seriously it was the camaraderie and enjoyment the teams were having. There were a lot of dedicated and committed teams and individuals last year from the EV industry, showing exactly what’s possible with EVs of all shapes and sizes from motorbikes to HGVs and the infrastructure is there to support them.

Did you learn anything on last year’s Rally that will help you this year?

This year we are looking forward to involving more of the wider team and having a few more team members along for the experience. Talking with the public at the checkpoints and charging stops was a great way of hearing real life experiences of cars and infrastructure. We were able to use that feedback internally to see where we can help and support for a better charging experience.

This year the focus is less on miles travelled and more on innovation and clean energy. As Drax is an energy company, how important is renewable energy in the EV narrative?

It’s hugely important in the transition to cleaner fuel and sustainable transport. The UK has seen a huge shift towards renewables power from wind and solar. Drax generates electricity from biomass, hydro and pumped storage, all contributing to the move towards decarbonising the energy grid.

Drax will be hosting a checkpoint again this year. Can you tell us what teams can expect there?

We really set the bar last year so, we’ve got to better that this year. We’re the end of day host on Wednesday and teams can expect a warm welcome alongside food, drink, entertainment and a few surprises.

Please tell us about Team Drax- who is driving and in what vehicles?

We’re still discussing the teams for 2025, but there’s lots of excitement within the business to be part of the rally. Suffice to say those taking part will have plenty of energy and enthusiasm for the EV industry, and hopefully some good karaoke skills!

Your karaoke sessions were very memorable last year – what songs do you have on your playlist this year?

Oh a whole variety of songs to warble my way through. I may download some driving ‘anthems’ that should get us all singing along.

Please tell us about Drax Electric Vehicle’s future plans and how it can help fleets with their net-zero ambitions?

Our goal is to continue helping UK organisations on their electrification journey. Whether that’s through renewable power, optimising their electric assets or installing EV charging infrastructure.

We have a team with both energy and EV expertise who believe in the value of end-to-end electrification partnerships. From assessing suitability and helping build the business case to installing and maintaining cost-effective, future-proofed EV charging solutions, we’re with our customers for the journey.