Lotus And Centrica (Direct Energy Parent) Agree On Partnership To Redesign Electric Vehicle Ownership

--- Integrating Connected Vehicles, Connected Homes, And Connected Customers

May 11, 2020

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Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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Centrica, the parent company of British Gas (as well as Direct Energy), and British motor manufacturer Lotus said that they are, "working together to develop a new model for electric vehicle ownership that fully integrates future mobility and energy."

"A new model of integrating connected vehicles, connected homes and connected customers is being developed," Centrica said, with a, "new, flexible platform designed to power a future digital mobility lifestyle."

"By making the car an extension of the home, capable of storing electricity, minimising emissions and generating new income by providing services to the energy market, the companies aim to redefine the customer relationship with cars – one controlled by smart devices at home and on the move," Centrica said

Centrica said that it, "will also facilitate a sustainability program that leverages innovative, low carbon technologies, and helps mitigate the environmental impact of everything from manufacturing through to sales and the day-to-day activities of Lotus employees, helping meet Lotus’ carbon reduction aspirations."

"The new partnership will help establish a new global charging and energy infrastructure for new products as part of Lotus’ journey to net zero carbon following huge investment into the business since 2018," Centrica said

"Owning an electric vehicle isn’t the same as owning an internal combustion engine car. We see a future where the customer, car and home are connected, enabling new services beyond charging the car, and new products and experiences replacing the unremarkable standard relationship with energy and the ownership of a car today. Lotus is the perfect partner as we embark on this, given the recognition and appeal of the brand globally and the fact that it is right at the beginning of its electrification journey," said Carl Bayliss, Vice President of Centrica Innovations

"Centrica brings a wealth of energy sector expertise to the table that will not only help us to determine the right course for our mobility strategy, but the hands-on capability to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place globally. The future of mobility is a huge opportunity for providing value-added services to the consumer and this platform will put Lotus at the forefront of that digital mobility ecosystem. We have set ambitious targets for decarbonising both our vehicles and our operations. Given the rate of change required and the importance of getting it right first time, the support of our strategic partner Centrica is going to be vital. Production of the all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar will start at the company’s famous Hethel, Norfolk HQ later in 2020 – marking the start of Lotus’ journey to electrifying its growing range of vehicles," said Uday Senapati, Executive Director – Corporate Strategy for Lotus

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