Changan UK has selected Ohme as its preferred home EV charging partner, giving customers access to home charger supply and installation through the automaker’s growing UK retail network.
The partnership is designed to make the transition to electric driving simpler by allowing Changan customers to arrange their vehicle and home charging solution through the same retail network.
Ohme, one of the UK’s leading home EV charging companies, will provide its chargers alongside a full installation service. The company will also provide training and support to Changan retailers as the two businesses explore further opportunities around charging technology, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.
The collaboration comes as Changan continues expanding its presence in the UK with models such as the Deepal S05 and S07, while additional vehicles are expected to join the lineup.
“Buying an electric car and working out how to charge it at home shouldn’t be two separate conversations,” said Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK. “This partnership means our customers can choose the car and home charger in the same place, with people who know what they’re talking about.”
Thomas added that Changan was looking for a charging partner with an established track record among EV drivers and automotive manufacturers.
Ohme chargers will be available for customers to view through Changan dealerships, while the charging company will handle installation and provide support to the retailer network.
Ohme’s home EV chargers use live electricity-grid data to automatically adjust charging schedules. This allows drivers to take advantage of electricity tariffs and periods when energy is cheaper or when renewable generation is higher.
The chargers are compatible with a range of UK energy tariffs and include features such as solar charging, which can help EV owners make greater use of electricity generated by home solar panels.
According to Ohme, charging a Changan Deepal S05 equipped with its 68.8kWh battery could cost around £5.50 for a full charge when using a dynamic tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go. The calculation is based on the vehicle’s quoted 303-mile WLTP range and is dependent on electricity prices and charging conditions.
The ability to schedule charging around cheaper and cleaner electricity could become increasingly important as more UK drivers switch to electric vehicles.
Changan and Ohme to Explore V2G Technology
Beyond home charging, the two companies also plan to collaborate on emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-grid charging.
V2G technology allows compatible electric vehicles to send stored electricity back to the grid when required. While availability depends on vehicle hardware, charger compatibility and energy-provider support, the technology could eventually give EV owners more control over how and when their vehicles use electricity.
Peter McDonald of Ohme said the company was looking forward to working with Changan and supporting its growing UK dealer network.
For Changan, the partnership adds another piece to its UK electrification strategy, giving customers a dedicated home charging option as the brand expands its range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
