ChargePoint debuts Flex Plus charger for European company fleets
ChargePoint has announced the launch of its new Flex Plus charger in Europe, designed to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for company car fleets.
According to figures from the European Commission, company vehicles now constitute 60% of new car sales in Europe. As businesses accelerate the electrification of their fleets, financial and operational challenges have emerged, particularly in managing and reimbursing electricity costs, which have become the largest non-vehicle expense for fleet operators.
Currently, 42% of global fleets aim to have at least half of their vehicles powered by electricity by 2030. While adoption increases, many companies remain reliant on public charging infrastructure, which comes at a significantly higher cost compared to home or workplace charging, underscoring the importance of rigorous cost management and transparency for organisations.
Product features
The newly introduced Flex Plus charger is built on ChargePoint's latest AC charging architecture and features real-time dynamic load management. This capability enables the system to automatically increase charging rates when demand from other household electrical devices is low, eliminating the need for costly electrical service upgrades to accommodate EV charging at home.
Flex Plus is designed for compatibility with smart home technologies, including solar panels and battery systems, supporting integration into broader home energy management solutions. The model also introduces a portable backplate mounting system, enabling fleet drivers to relocate their charger when moving homes easily. This function allows fleet assets to remain in use as employees move, potentially reducing operational costs for employers.
"Fleet managers and company car drivers require a seamless experience to fully embrace their electric vehicles," said Hossein Kazemi, CTO for hardware at ChargePoint. "The new Flex Plus charger pairs with ChargePoint's Driver Management Solution to automatically reimburse company car drivers for home charging, making it easy for drivers and fleet managers to go electric."
Driver Management Solution
The Flex Plus charger works in conjunction with ChargePoint's Driver Management Solution, providing automation for the reimbursement process of home charging. The system features a built-in meter that records electricity use and connectivity to relay data, therefore allowing for accurate reimbursement and VAT-compliant invoicing.
From a management perspective, the software gives fleet managers tools for overseeing driver groups, assigning charging rules for various user segments, and monitoring activity through a centralised dashboard. It also extends to public charging, with a consolidated interface for managing installation logistics and emerging regulatory requirements for international VAT invoicing.
ChargePoint indicates that the solution also smooths onboarding processes for new drivers and can be scaled or adjusted to suit changes in driver allocation within a business.
Benefits for drivers
Flex Plus can be installed at employees' homes through ChargePoint's network of installation partners. This arrangement is intended to offer employees the convenience of home charging, reducing their reliance on public charging infrastructure, which is typically more expensive and time-consuming. When on the road, employees can locate, access, and pay for charging sessions through a dedicated app or compatible in-vehicle platforms, ensuring a seamless charging experience.
The company notes that, for many drivers, this means a fundamental shift in recharging behaviour – trading mid-day fuel stops for the simplicity of plugging in overnight at home, and providing a clearer overview of associated costs.
The ChargePoint Flex Plus, available as part of the Driver Management Solution, is now open for order in Europe, with the first units scheduled to be delivered during the coming months.
