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A week with Octopus Energy: EV adventure to the Energy Tech Summit

When Octopus Energy invited our Technical Sales* Engineer Adam on an epic journey to the Energy Tech Summit in Berlin, he couldn’t say yes fast enough! A week on the road, cruising in the VW ID Buzz electric vehicle (EV) powered by renewable energy – this was the perfect chance to put their Electroverse app through its paces. What better way to show that electric campervans are more than just weekend toys—they can fuel real adventures! Join Adam as he recounts the highlights of this incredible journey.

As a long-time EV enthusiast, I’m captivated by both their cost-effectiveness and innovative technology. Over the past five years, we’ve owned two EVs, and I feel fortunate every time I get behind the wheel. While EVs were once rare, they are now nearly ubiquitous, with running costs comparable to a diesel vehicle achieving 350 MPG. Despite my enjoyment of driving across the country for adventures, I always felt anxious about taking my EV abroad, worried about running out of charge in unfamiliar places. This trip was the perfect opportunity to conquer that fear!

From Cornwall to Folkestone: The first leg of our journey

At home, I’m fortunate to have a car charger, paired with solar power and a Victron energy storage system, making charging easy—we usually only plug in once a week to top up and that takes us easily from A to B to C to D…you get the picture. 

However, as I set off from my home in Cornwall, I have to admit I was a little nervous about the trip. My experiences with public charging in the UK have sometimes been hit or miss, which is a significant barrier for many considering switching to electric vehicles.

On day one of our road trip, our mission was to meet the rest of the crew at Folkestone, a journey from almost the furthest West to the furthest East—conveniently requiring just one quick pit stop to top up. I used that time to catch up on emails while grabbing a coffee somewhere new. Luckily, the stop was smooth and relatively quick, not adding much to our ETA compared to a diesel vehicle. Getting to Kent and meeting up with the Octopus Energy team and their delightfully vibrant pink and purple Octovan was a blast! They had invited an eclectic and fascinating group of people, all connected by a shared love of electric cars and a passion for sustainability.

Octopus Energy branded ID BUZZ, the Octovan.

Among the incredible folks I met were climate activists Jerome Foster and Elijah McKenzie-Jackson, who advise the White House. Their inspiring work set the tone for an interesting and unforgettable trip. Another character who truly stood out was Patric Maine, the owner of the world’s smallest EV camper. He recently returned from an ambitious tour of 60 cities in 60 days, all powered by his electric VW UP!

The road to Berlin: Running down to 3% but staying calm

The next day, we set off early for some Top Gear-style filming in the morning sunshine, meeting the last of the team—some arriving in very fancy electric vehicles. The diversity of EVs on the market currently is really highlighted on a trip like this when you have a line up all together, all of them with their individual positives. After a quick trip in convoy under the channel on the Eurotunnel, we began our long drive to Berlin.

Despite being previously unconvinced that charging on the continent using a foreign currency with a whole host of different charging brands, my jitters were no match for Octopus Energy’s Electroverse app, which quickly became my trusty co-pilot. Simply plug in your final destination and the route would be calculated with charge in mind, utilising the most cost effective and mile-efficient routes.

The EV line up for the journey ahead.

One memorable moment came as we rolled into a service station with just 3% charge left. Instead of the usual adrenaline that accompanies dwindling battery power, we actually felt completely at ease. The app had already mapped our journey and showed us that chargers were just ahead, even indicating how many were unoccupied. It’s moments like that which truly showcase the advantage of smart tech and the growing infrastructure for EVs abroad.

The Electroverse experience

Testing the Electroverse app was a key part of the trip, made even better with “Agile Phil” (Phil Steele), Octopus’s Future Technology Evangelist, along for the ride. His enthusiasm for integrating smart tech into our lives was infectious. We discussed how similar technology is already common in campervans abroad but hasn’t fully caught on at home.

Our conversations often turned into mini tech lessons, from how smart meters can transform the national grid to the intriguing concept of “Zero Bills Homes.” While it may seem counterintuitive for a major energy supplier to support a project that could eliminate bills, the focus is on sustainability and efficiency, aligning with Nohma’s values.

As we traveled through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, the Electroverse app proved invaluable. With over 470,000 chargers across Europe, locating rapid chargers was effortless.

Map of charging points. Octopus Electroverse.

The app streamlined the charging process, allowing our account to communicate directly with chargers, which eliminated the hassle of managing multiple apps or payment methods.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying the charging experience, thanks to Electroverse’s efficiency. This convenience allowed us to discover fantastic spots we might have otherwise overlooked. Whether charging on a beach or under Brussels’ iconic Atomium, every stop felt like part of the adventure. By the time we grabbed a quick drink or snack, the van was typically at 80%, ready for the next leg of our journey.

The electroverse app and RFID card.

Energy Tech Summit: Selfies and sustainability

Ultimately the big highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the Energy Tech Summit in Berlin. The conference served as a melting pot of innovation, where I had the privilege of meeting key players driving the clean energy revolution. Hearing from Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, was particularly inspiring; he shared their new releases into the energy sector as well as fun facts on why driving an electric vehicle is over three times more energy efficient than traditional combustion engines, even when charging directly from the grid. I even snagged a selfie with him—a memento from the trip!

Other speakers included Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen, who captivated us with stories about the future of electric racing and Formula E, and Polestar’s head of sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, who talked about the auto industry’s evolution towards supporting a greener future with some really innovative changes. I also had the chance to connect with the team responsible for the famous purple wind turbine at Glastonbury Festival, and got a first-hand look at the gear that powers the festival with renewable energy—a real treat for an off-grid enthusiast like me!

Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy CEO and Adam at the Energy Tech Summit.

The ID Buzz: Comfort and confidence on the road

If you’re a van enthusiast, the move to EV versions is an interesting one and on this trip the VW ID Buzz wasn’t just a ride; it became part of the adventure. Its smooth, quiet drive is perfect for long journeys. While some may still worry about range, this trip proved that long-distance travel in an electric vehicle can be as carefree as any other road trip. I’ve got plenty of pictures to share from the trip, but one thing’s for sure: we never had to worry about where to charge.

A serene stop in Antwerp

On the way back from Berlin, once the convoy had split, I decided to spend the night in Antwerp, right in the city centre. Much like Berlin, Antwerp has stringent clean air rules that only allow certain vehicles into the heart of the city. Thankfully, being in an EV meant I had no issues getting in! 

As I arrived, I was a bit anxious about parking, especially since I needed a place to charge. However, the Electroverse app came to the rescue once again! It guided me to the most beautiful underground car park, which boasted over 50 charging stations. I was able to plug in and leave the car overnight, waking up to a full charge. It felt great knowing that I could explore this vibrant city without any worries about my battery!

Sightseeing in Antwerp.

Practical tips for the e-Van curious

Range Anxiety? No Problem: The ID Buzz has a range of 293 miles, providing over three hours of driving on the motorway. With apps like Electroverse, planning your route ensures you’re never far from a charger. Even on our 2,000-mile trip, there was always a convenient spot to top up. As of 2023, there are more than five times as many public charging stations as petrol stations!

Fast Charging: We often found ourselves charging to 80% in under 20 minutes—just enough time for a coffee break. Fast chargers are popping up everywhere, from service stations to quirky scenic spots like beaches!

Smart Tech Makes it Simple: Tech like Electroverse’s “plug and charge” feature removes the hassle from EV charging. If you’ve been put off by managing multiple apps, this one does it all with a single tap, sometimes not even that!

Don’t Forget Your Campsite: Yes, if you have a converted van and leisure batteries you can still hook up to a regular power supply at campsites when you get there just as you would in an ICE. Just one more way to ensure you’re always ready to go.

Although, if you do decide to stay off grid, with an EV, you already have a massive amount of electrical energy stored in the traction battery. With that in mind, we usually suggest specifying your battery smaller than you would in a normal ICE vehicle.

Final thoughts on the journey

In the end, this trip to Berlin wasn’t just about meeting a bunch of like-minded people and attending a conference – it was about proving that the future of electric travel can be sustainable, smart, and stress-free. Thanks to Octopus Energy and the Electroverse app, I’ve seen first hand that switching to an EV is more than possible; it’s an upgrade! 

If you want to know more about the differences of having an EV camper, our article written by Mhairi on the subject is a worthwhile read – Electric campervans – is an EV the right choice for your camper?

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