Pogo Charge - How We Utilise Data With Dodona Analytics

A couple of weeks ago, our friends at Pogo Charge invited Chris to have a chat with their MD, Stuart Douglas, to discuss the business of EV charging, how Dodona can help and what they see is the future for EV charging.

In this in-depth fireside chat Stuart Douglas, Managing Director, Pogo Charge discusses the deployment of an ultra-rapid charging network in the UK with our very own Chris Chamberlain, co-founder and recently appointed VP, Americas

They explore the importance of data-driven site selection for charging stations, the critical role of partnerships in the EV infrastructure, and the challenges faced in the early stages of EV adoption. The discussion also highlights the need for enhancing customer experience, understanding behavioral insights, ensuring safety and accessibility at charging locations, and the future trends in EV charging technology.

10 key takeaways

1. Introduction and Collaboration: Stuart and Chris  discuss the partnership in deploying an ultra-rapid EV charging network and how our platform helps Pogo assess site viability for charge point installation.
2. Dodona Analytics Platform: The platform offers detailed data on traffic flows, power availability, points of interest, and local competition to help Pogo Charge make informed site selections quickly and efficiently.
3. Importance of Site Selection: Pogo emphasizes the critical nature of selecting the right locations for EV chargers, as errors can be costly. Data-driven decisions are crucial to meeting drivers' needs and ensuring a good return on investment.
4. Changing EV Adoption and Behavior: The conversation highlights that EV adoption is in its early stages, and driver behavior will shift as more people start using EVs, impacting site selection and usage patterns.
5. Challenges in the Industry: The EV industry faces challenges like long lead times from site selection to energization, with the energization process being particularly slow. Collaboration with partners has been key to overcoming some of these hurdles.
6. Unique Charging Locations: Beyond traditional sites like service stations, there is interest in innovative locations for chargers, such as retail parks and hospitality venues, to offer consumers more convenient and diverse charging options.
7. Role of Partnerships: Pogo Charge relies heavily on partnerships with companies like Dodona, All-Star, Zapmap, and Charge Safe for site selection, network development, and improving the customer journey, which are essential for success.
8. Future of Charging Experience: The industry aims to create a seamless "plug and charge" experience across various networks, similar to what Tesla offers, enhancing the overall customer experience and making EV adoption more attractive.
9. Safety and Accessibility: Pogo Charge emphasizes creating safe and accessible charging sites, considering factors like lighting, crime rates, and location to ensure comfort and security for users.
10. Scaling and Expansion: The conversation touches on the need for scaling the charging network, with ambitious targets set for future charger installations. Both companies are focused on refining the customer experience and replicating successful models to meet growing EV demands globally.

Thank you Stuart and Pogo Charge for hosting Chris and putting this together. 

Dodona gives us lots of detailed information on traffic flows, points of interest, local competition, as well as electricity availability, and a few other points bespoke for our own use... it gives us a really quick and easy, not light and quick, but a very, very quick assessment of the site. We've got hundreds if not thousands of sites that we look at every year.  - Stuart Douglas, Managing Director, Pogo Charge

About Pogo Charge

PoGo Charge is a UK-wide EV charging network offering ultra-rapid, rapid and destination charging for electric vehicle drivers.

Derived from the concept of enabling drivers to ‘Power Up. Go Adventure’, PoGo is being built to help accelerate the UK’s transition to sustainable transportation and play a role in reducing carbon emissions. PoGo charging locations offer multiple charging options, which are regularly serviced and maintained by an experienced team of EV-driving engineers and powered by 100% renewable energy. PoGo works with landlords to identify the right charging locations and then takes care of the installation, operation, and maintenance of its market leading charging technology.

Find out more on their website: https://pogocharge.com/