Driving the industry to prioritise a safe and accessible electric vehicle charging solution, for everyone. #GF100 Most Influential in EV
I’d like to take a moment to address the issue doing the rounds with a particular external device being sold using a fear campaign. I am incredibly disappointed by the marketing strategy deployed for this particular “solution” and find it to be unethical. I have never looked towards creating fear when promoting my own business as a solution for personal safety at public ChargePoints. My personal goal is to support the accelerating decarbonisation of transport, not to pump the brakes. A member of my team last year had to speak to another woman “advocating” for our industry, about the words she used when publicly speaking on the issues surrounding safety and asked her not to use the R word. We must be so careful when raising awareness not to trigger victims, provoke anxiety or even inspire organised crime. Profiteering out of public fear is unethical and I do not accept these people to be advocates for the EV Industry. Using eCall or Mobile Phone and being aware of your options when choosing somewhere to charge, when charging solo is really the solutions required for this *not yet occurred* scenario. The benefits of not using external accessories on your vehicle also include: ⚡️ No damage to the EV charger, meaning the driver is not liable for potentially thousands in damages ⚡️ Vehicle insurance policy is not compromised by using hardware that has not been approved for use ⚡️ Cables will not be made inaccessible by being left laying on the ground in a “rush-exit” scenario ⚡️ No grey area for insurance claims between the driver, network operator or hardware manufacturer ⚡️Authorites dispatched to offer support and pursue an arrest where appropriate ⚡️ User is not left reliant on a product, which does not guarantee protection against a potential crime Can we stop creating problems, just to flog a product that isn’t yet even been available for retail in the UK. I understand there is a desire to innovate in the EV space and we are so early into this, entrepreneurs will surely create wonderful things and sell them appropriately. I love seeing all the new stuff coming to market but you cannot simply hire a PR company, whack together a slick website and literally scare people into buying your product. This is the last time I will write on it, it has already taken up 10 minutes of my life that I’ll never get back. ✌🏽⚡️💚
Mike Wynn
1mo
Did you see the warranty promise on this!! Just hold on a sec baddy whilst I get my phone out…. And they’re $299 which is just another conversation altogether.
Kreg Peeler
1mo
We're sorry you feel that way. Our video was filmed by one of our retail partners and is a reenactment of a bad charging situation. There have been hundreds of real situations. These drivers asked us to convey their stories and raise awareness to help others avoid their same situations. Before EVject was an option, 44% of women reported feeling unsafe at public chargers. We are simply providing a solution to a community that requested one. We greatly appreciate the work that eCall and ChargeSafe are doing to provide additional solutions. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire departments all play a role in preventing home fires. Especially when they work collaboratively.
Pete Previte
1mo
“support the accelerating decarbonisation of transport.” Have studies been done analyzing the carbon footprint required to mine for and manufacture batteries?
Adrian Bond
1mo
I see they use Surveys as a sales tool… 🤔 “Would you have concerns about charging in unlit remote charging locations”…? 43% sounds reasonable, I would have similar concerns. “Would you charge in an unlit remote charging location if you had concerns?” No? Likely a good Venn Diagram overlap as well, which is fine, and preferable, I’d likely choose on how safe I felt. Neither situation is ideal, but safety and accessibility assessments are now available, and nobody should be putting themselves into what they consider is a dangerous situation, if avoidable, unapproved gadget or otherwise. https://www.chargesafe.uk
Gary Comerford
1mo
If this solution could guarantee to 100% solve the problem it was designed to solve then I would look more favourably on it. But, given that parking a vehicle across the front of the charge bay to stop the occupant driving off would pretty much render this product useless, I’m of the opinion that it is - as has been mentioned before - a solution looking for a problem. Great post, Kate.
Mike Wynn
1mo
Spot on! The product in question will fail on its own lack of merits, solving a problem which doesn’t exist and trying to create a market by imagining a scenario where it may potentially assist is just doomed to failure.
Aaron Caister
1mo
From a pure marketing perspective. Fear and in this case fear of safety is a strong motivator to get people to buy. From what I've seen they aren't being pushy and as it's a US product they perhaps have issues we don't have so much of in the UK. But I can't help but think the best solution is to call the emergency services?!
Toby Hiles
1mo
As always Kate Tyrrell a voice of reason, experience and positive and collaborative change 👏 🫡
Director, EDS Designer, Ryokou Automotive Ltd
1moKate Tyrrell - when you look at the product itself, and consider it as a safety tool generally, it's a great idea. I do agree with your point that the wording is important, and having visited the company's website, they don't appear to be guilty of any fearmongering or misguidance - it very clearly stated and demonstrates what the product does, and that it is for use in emergency/vulnerability. In the UK, where we are lucky to live in a very safe environment respectively, perhaps not such a big market. But, if I was living in the US, South Africa, and many other places, I would consider this essential. Take my money - I don't care the cost. The risk of assault, robbery, car jacking and road/EV ragers is much greater in other parts of the world. We should consider ourselves very lucky here in the UK that we don't have to consider this a necessary thing.