New Volvo Cars app feature brings EV charging convenience for users in Europe

MANILA: After the integration of the Plugsurfing platform directly into the Volvo Cars app, drivers of fully electric Volvo cars in Europe now have a wider choice of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at their fingertips.

Volvo EV owners now have access to over 270,000 charging sites across Europe, as well as the ability to pay for charging through a single and seamless portal, thanks to the upgraded features of the Volvo Cars app.

The Volvo Cars app displays the location of the nearest public charging station as well as real-time availability information. Volvo is streamlining the mobile charging experience for drivers by eliminating a multitude of separate charging apps and payment systems, as well as improving access to public charging infrastructure.

In a statement, Volvo Cars EMEA Head Arek Nowinski said, “Creating premium fully electric products is only one part of a much wider ecosystem when it comes to enabling consumers to make the switch to a fully electric car. We recognize the frustration that many of our customers have in carrying around multiple cards and having to install different apps to access individual charge points. By enhancing the mobile charging experience, we are supporting our customers across Europe in their own fully electric journey, which means access to more networks inside and outside their country of residence all through our digital platform — the Volvo Cars app.”

Plugsurfing's Developer Platform and Drive API facilitate this experience by directly embedding charging information into the Volvo Cars app, resulting in a seamless and convenient experience.

“Drive API is the evolution of our commitment to our partners. With this integration, Volvo Cars can evolve its own products and services to meet its goal of becoming a purely electric company by 2030. We're proud to be the partner that helps make this a reality,” Plugsurfing Chief Executive Officer Tatu Kulla stated.

After the initial release in Switzerland and Italy, Volvo will launch the new feature to its major European markets from now until the end of 2022.

Volvo Cars has stated its intention to provide its Recharge car customers with comprehensive and convenient access to public charging. Drivers of pure electric Volvos can now take advantage of special rates at Ionity stations across Europe through the new feature in the Volvo Cars app. Volvo Cars has also partnered with charging operator Mer in Sweden and Norway to offer discounted rates in those countries, with the goal of enhancing the consumer offer with other suppliers in the future.

Photos from Volvo Cars

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