Volvo Cars to integrate EV charging functions into smartphone app

Volvo Cars is set to integrate and consolidate electric vehicle (EV) charging functions and payment into the Volvo Cars smartphone app.

With the app, owners of Volvo EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) will be able to find public charging stations around the world from a range of charging operators, get real-time information on availability of chargers, and pay for their charging session through one single interface, Volvo has said. 

In Europe, Volvo drivers can choose from more than 270,000 charging points following the integration of Plugsurfing into the Volvo Car app, which enables cross-border charging access across the continent, the manufacturer said.

Olivier Loedel, head of electrification ecosystems at Volvo Cars, said: “Many of us are familiar with the frustration of having to navigate multiple apps and carrying multiple cards for different charging operators.

“Our goal was to make life easier for our customers and remove one of the major barriers for customers to switch to an electric car. With the Volvo Cars app, we will create one digital charging platform.”

Through Plugsurfing, drivers of electric Volvo cars benefit from special rates for the first 12 months when charging at IONITY stations around Europe, the manufacturer said.

It also said it is making investments in public charging networks in areas of strategic importance around Europe with local partners.

Carwow recently attracted an investment from Volvo Cars, which has taken a minority stake of the online car sales marketplace through its venture capital arm, Volvo Cars Tech Fund.

Earlier this month, Volvo Car UK opened a new boutique-style showroom in Brent Cross Shopping Centre, to showcase its new electric models.

Volvo’s retail strategy is to move 100% of its sales online as its shifts to a wholly electric vehicle (EV) product range by 2030.