After a busy year in 2024, the team at Rolec looks at how the brand is aiming to lead the EV charge over the next 12 months.
Although 2024 posed challenges for many in the EV industry, the past year has been a display of our continued growth journey as a business.
We’ve channelled our 34 years of manufacturing experience into educating the current and next generation of electrical contractors, creating and hosting dedicated training days at our purpose-built training academy, while continuing to place increasing support for our EV chargepoint installation partners at the forefront of everything we do.
Additionally, thanks to our growing R & D team, we’ve utilised feedback to develop products that are leading the way in available technology, introducing eight new charger models to our range in 2024 alone. Furthermore, we’ve ensured our true OCPP hardware is compliant, interoperable, reliable and efficient, providing a great service for our 40+ connected CPMS partners worldwide.
The spirit of innovation and growth has taken full hold in recent times as we now offer a host of new features, such as integrated contactless payment and LCD screen models, as well as an increased range of DC ultra-rapid chargers.
Developments to our DC range include more charging speeds to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. A prime example of this is the launch of the UltraCharge 30 compact 30 kW DC rapid charger, which has proven to be a game-changer for commercial businesses.
The UltraCharge 30, 80, 160, 240, and 480 meet the needs of companies at each end of the electrification spectrum by providing charging speeds from 30 kW all the way up to 480 kW, with flexibility to upgrade or downgrade as those requirements change.
Each unit now also features an updated PAS 1899 accessible design. The Quantum and SecuriCharge include a front-lockable door, while the SecuriCharge also features an independent back-plate for easier access during installation and servicing.
New requirements for public chargepoint owners and operators
The evolution of this burgeoning industry is reflected in the number of changes to UK government regulations. One standout item is the latest UK Public Chargepoint Regulation, which mandates all new EV chargers in public spaces (above 8 kW) and existing chargers (above 50 kW) must offer contactless payment options. This can encompass debit/credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more, to ensure drivers can charge their vehicles quickly and easily, without the need for an App or additional registration.
In response to these changes, Rolec, through its strategic partnership with PAYTER, has developed simplified payment solutions that fully comply with the latest regulations. By integrating PAYTER’s contactless payment technology with Rolec’s hardware, functionality and flexibility is enhanced for businesses and EV drivers, increasing charger utilisation, improving the user experience, and future-proofing infrastructure.
Master the charge
One of the strongest connections we’ve made in the industry to-date is with the electrical contractors that install our chargepoints nationwide. Indeed, this was the main motivation behind building our custom training academy in 2013.
With installers integral to our business success, the natural next step was to welcome contractors to our premises regularly. Here we offer CPD-accredited training on a range of topics, from our latest product developments to technical training that meets the highest industry standards. Led by our Contractor Relations & Training Manager, Allan Ross, we’re here to assist professionals throughout their entire journey. In fact, we’d like to give a big pat on the back to Allan, Emily Holland, and the Rolec team for successfully training over 1,000 installers in 2024!
Grants for greener schools
2024 saw some real advances in OZEV grants, with the introduction of more government funding options available to businesses looking to install EV charging infrastructure. One such grant is the WCS for state-funded education institutions.
This grant provides substantial financial support to schools, colleges, universities and education centres so that they can install the latest EV chargepoints on their premises. There’s up to £100,000 of funding available, up to £2,500 per socket, covering up to 75% of the cost to purchase and install chargers.
If you’re interested in this grant, it’s best to act quickly, as the deadline for applications expires at the end of March.
Full speed ahead
So, what’s next for Rolec? Well, we’ve hit the ground running so far this year, with a fresh take on a familiar face. 2025 will be the year of our next-generation home charger, EVO. Building on everything you loved about our popular QUBEV Smart, EVO adds more advanced features, greater efficiency, and native OCPP compliance.
We’re also continuing our mission to invest in our installer network by introducing a new installer software service, streamlining processes and supporting installers in a completely new way. Keep an eye out for updates soon!
Browse the full Rolec range of EV charging solutions here
Find more industry feature articles here
