For Dev Chana, Director of E.ON Drive Infrastructure, there's no better way to dispel misconceptions about electric vehicles than through real-world experience. That's why the company is once again taking part in this year's EV Rally
We are delighted that E.ON Drive Infrastructure (EDRI) is taking part in this year’s EV Rally. What made you decide to get involved?
With the success of the EV Rally last year, EDRI are delighted to be supporting the event again this year. For us, getting involved helps drive real awareness of what it’s like living with and driving an EV in real conditions, proving that common misconceptions of EV ownerships can often be myths. It also provides a valuable opportunity to showcase how the UK’s charging infrastructure is continuing to evolve, demonstrating the reliability, accessibility and performance of modern charging networks. Being part of the EV Rally aligns closely with our ‘built to move Europe’ mission at EDRI, helping to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by building confidence through real-world driving experiences.
Can you tell us about your team – who will be taking part and what vehicles will you be driving?
Our team will include colleagues that represent the full EDRI journey. From senior management, operational staff managing our network day-to-day, and deployment managers delivering our infrastructure, our team show the practical realities of what’s required to deliver and operate EV infrastructure. Our vehicle will be one that is commonly seen across a wide range of consumer households, allowing us to reflect the real-world experience of EV ownership.
From the perspective of a public charging operator, how do you expect the UK’s charging infrastructure to perform during the EV rally?
We expect the infrastructure to perform very well during the EV rally. At EDRI, we are proud to run a network with a very high uptime, providing a network that our customers can rely on. We have various technologies and systems that can help us detect issues before errors occur, in addition to frequent maintenance checks.
There will also be a focus on trucks this year, with visits to some new e-HGV charging hubs in the UK. Why does this matter?
The logistics sector plays a critical role in the UK economy, and its transition to electrification has the potential to deliver a significant impact on emissions reduction. As high-mileage, high-utilisation vehicles, HGVs represent one of the most important (and challenging) areas to decarbonise. The development of e-HGV charging hubs is a key step forward, demonstrating how the infrastructure is evolving to support large vehicles. For EDRI, it reinforces that the journey to electrification isn’t just about individual drivers, it is a shared transition that requires collaboration between consumers, businesses, and infrastructure providers.
This year's rally theme is busting EV myths and misinformation. Is there a particular myth that you would like to challenge on the rally?
Too many times, we hear the phrase “EV’s are too expensive”. It's a simple and widely held belief that is often based on the upfront cost of the car alone. During the rally, we want to challenge this perception by demonstrating how EVs can be more cost-efficient over time, with lower maintenance, reduced fuel costs, and savings from incentives such as emission zone exemptions. For us, we want to show how when you look beyond the initial price, EV ownership can be economically beneficial.
You’re also hosting a checkpoint this year. What can teams expect when they get there?
Our Elmhirst Lane checkpoint features 12 charging bays, with a strong focus on accessibility. All of our charging bays have kerb free access to ensure the chargers can be used comfortably by all drivers. The site offers on-site amenities, including food, drinks, and toilet facilities, helping to create a more comfortable and enjoyable stop for teams during the rally. The site is also located near to major transport routes (the M1 motorway) for seamless travel on journeys.
Looking ahead, what are E.ON Drive Infrastructure's future plans, and how is the company helping fleets progress towards their net-zero goals?
Looking ahead, EDRI is focused on scaling a reliable, accessible charging network as part of our ‘built to move Europe’ mission. By prioritising high quality locations, consistently high performance, and accessibility, we are continuing to build the foundations needed for mass EV adoption.
Fleets are a key driver of this change. By supporting organisations with the infrastructure they need to electrify at scale, we are helping them unlock significant emissions reductions and enabling real progress towards net-zero goals.