Allstar adds First Charge depot charging to UK network

First Charge’s depot-based charging network has joined the Allstar EV expenses platform, giving access to dozens of ultra-rapid chargers for car, van and truck drivers.

First Charge is the EV charging service from public transport giant First Bus and provides public access to its network of bus chargers at a series of charging superhubs around the country.

Under the new partnership Allstar Chargepass clients will be able to use the chargers – which range from 125kW to 350kW – at a specially discounted rate.

Since the First Charge sites are designed to charge fleets of buses, they are also suitable for larger commercial vehicles, including eHGVs – helping boost the country’s relatively small commercial EV charging network.

While the UK’s charging infrastructure is improving and demand for passenger vehicles is climbing, growth for electric HGVs and vans lags behind. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) cites a lack of depot and public charging infrastructure as among the primary obstacles to operators investing in electric commercial vehicles.

Tom Rowlands, managing director of global EV solutions Allstar’s parent company Corpay, said: “Central to a successful transition to net zero is infrastructure that can make charging an electric vehicle as convenient and as quick as possible. However, this demands an approach that is far from one size fits all. That’s why we’ve focussed on bringing different charging environments to our customers, from near home charging to depots, for the smallest cars to the largest HGVs, and a single payment card that does it all.

“Installing a network of new chargers has been a significant project that is still ongoing, but it doesn’t yet keep up with the demands and changing needs of drivers. This is why it’s critical to make use of every charging point the country has to offer and partnering with First Charge was the natural fit, with 10 locations across the UK.”

Faizan Ahmad, decarbonisation director at First Bus, added: “Through First Charge, we are unlocking the potential of our depot charging infrastructure for use beyond our own bus charging needs, helping more fleets access ultra-rapid charging to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.”

“Allstar is renowned for its approach to making EV infrastructure and charging accessible for all. This collaboration represents an important step toward a more inclusive and scalable charging network across the UK.”