Following the recent acquisition of Sync EV, Ben Coombes, EVCP Installation Director at Luceco Group and one of the founders of the smart charging point specialists, discusses how Sync EV started, the acquisition by Luceco Group, and what future plans might hold for the brand.
Sync EV’s roots date back to 2016, when founders, Ben Coombes and Paul Delahey were installing EV chargers as part of a government scheme, supporting homeowners in installing electric vehicle chargepoints in their homes. This scheme allowed installers to claim a £1,000 grant for each installation, with Sync EV being the 247th company to register for the scheme. The list has since grown to over 8,000 installers.
Detailed understanding of EV chargers
Even with a reduction in this government grant, the demand for these systems continued to grow. Through the many installations of common brands available at the time, the small team at Sync EV was able to develop a detailed understanding of EV chargers. It soon became apparent that there was room for improvement with the existing solutions available on the market.
Equipped with his extensive knowledge and engagement with key stakeholders in the EV charging industry, Paul began to design and build a new EV charger. The aim was to create a solution designed by installers, for installers, ensuring the installation process and technical support were the best in class.
After a number of prototypes and several design changes, the company’s EV charging system was launched to market in December 2019. The product was one of the smallest EV chargers available and included smart capability through a mobile App. Furthermore, it was backed up with technical support for both the installer and end-user. Bringing all these factors together undoubtedly contributed to the strong demand for EV charging solutions.
Acquisition by Luceco Group
Sync EV’s potential was clear to see, leading to the acquisition of the company by Luceco Group in March of this year. Luceco Group’s Chief Executive, John Hornby, explained the rationale, stating: “Sync EV is a small but rapidly growing business with a strong brand and a management team with an excellent understanding of the residential EV charging product category and the professional installer.
“We’re excited by the potential of combining these strengths with Luceco Groups’ product development, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities.”
Luceco Group has a large market share of UK residential electrical products. Replicating this share within the rapidly growing residential EV charging category, as well as the opportunity to explore new sales channels in both the UK and overseas, will provide huge growth potential for the group.
The Sync EV business will be integrated into Luceco Group’s sales and distribution operations based in Telford, with the management team remaining heavily involved in the business and future product development.
Sync EV will be positioned under the BG Electrical brand and will complement key electrical products within the BG Electrical family. For the contractor, the acquisition will enable them to choose even more solutions from a brand they know, trust and are confident in installing.
The product range
The Sync EV by BG Electrical range of 7.4kw residential and commercial EV chargers will be launched to the market this month.
The comprehensive range includes five models in total – three socketed and two tethered – available in a combination of WiFi, WiFi/GSM, and WiFi/GSM and RFID options. These all offer their own benefits; the WiFi/GSM option allows installation anywhere, while the RFID provides the facility to set up contactless payment options in commercial environments. The range will charge any electric or hybrid vehicle.
The new models retain the smart functionality Sync EV is known for and are controlled through the Sync EV BG App. In addition, the charger includes a load management kit to allow for dynamic charging, ensuring the home electrical system is not overloaded, and car charging is reduced until other devices are turned off. These are excellent selling points for the contractor to secure business with.
Features and benefits galore
Other key benefits to the installer include the solution’s integrated open PEN conductor protection. This removes the need to install earth rods, which in turn reduces the complexity of the installation, saving time. Integrated RCD and PEN protection is included in the unit to ensure safe installation and use. Overall, the design and easy installation features mean fitting the charger typically takes just two hours.
Adding extra peace of mind, the chargers are all backed up by UK-based technical and sales support and products are supplied with a three-year warranty and are DEKRA certified.
With the joining of these two leading companies, the future for EV charging looks brighter than ever. Bringing together Sync EV’s product and technical expertise, with the backing of a large manufacturer in the electrical market, will provide a quality offering and additional choice for EV installers.
To get more details on the Sync EV range by BG Electrical, click here
