Duracell, the battery manufacturer, is launching an EV fast charging network in the UK and has selected Driivz as its software partner. Driivz will manage the operational backbone of the charging infrastructure, handling everything from network management to user authentication and payment processing.
The move signals Duracell's pivot beyond traditional batteries into EV infrastructure. Rather than building proprietary software from scratch, the company tapped Driivz, which has established itself managing charging networks across Europe. This approach lets Duracell focus on hardware deployment while relying on proven charging network software.
The partnership reflects a broader trend in the EV charging sector. Hardware manufacturers increasingly outsource software and network management to specialized operators who can scale quickly and integrate with existing payment systems and driver apps. It's faster and cheaper than developing in-house.
For Driivz, the deal represents another major deployment opportunity. The company already manages charging infrastructure for numerous networks, so adding Duracell's UK network expands its footprint without massive R&D costs.
The timing matters. The UK is aggressively pushing EV adoption and charging infrastructure expansion. BP, Shell, and other energy giants have invested billions in charging networks. Duracell entering this space shows even traditional energy companies see EV charging as essential to their futures. However, the market is crowded. Established players like InstaVolt, Gridserve, and Pod Point already operate substantial UK networks.
Duracell's advantage lies in brand recognition and existing retail relationships, potentially allowing faster rollout of chargers across convenient locations. The partnership with Driivz provides the software expertise needed to compete with pure-play charging networks.
The UK charging market remains fragmented, with drivers dealing with multiple apps and payment systems. Driivz's role here includes potentially making the Duracell network compatible with roaming agreements that let