Latest news with #Pod
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
We need to take the cost and complexity out of going electric to supercharge EVs
Much of the national conversation around the clean energy and net zero transition has become dominated by cost. The same is true for households. I know this because the business I lead, Pod, has been serving the electric vehicle (EV) community for more than 15 years. While more drivers are making the switch to electric, we cannot be complacent. Pod supports the Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, which backs incentives like the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), exempting EVs from the congestion charge in London. We believe that initiatives that support drivers to make the switch are crucial and we would certainly welcome the extension of CVD beyond 2025. If we truly want to supercharge switching, both the industry and the government have to be on the side of drivers. We need policies to incentivise and reward the right behaviours, but we also need to introduce propositions that take the cost and complexity out of going electric. How we charge, when and at what cost are big questions facing would-be switchers. As the UK's largest charging network, with over 250,000 customers, we know that more than anything, people want to manage their costs, which are only getting higher in an ongoing cost of living crisis. Greener options need to be simple and affordable, rather than another thing for people to worry about. For many, the increase in their home electricity bills can be a concern when making the move to an EV. Plus, they worry about the cost and reliability of being able to charge when they're away from home. Solutions are emerging to help with such cost challenges and anxieties, however. Vehicles typically spend 96% of the time stationary. That's why in most instances, EV charging at long-dwell locations, such as at home, is key to making life with an EV affordable, tapping into cheaper rates when there's less demand on the electricity grid, for example. Furthermore, new options such as subscription models are key to more of us embracing EVs in a cost-effective way. It's why last month we disrupted the market with the launch of a new subscription offering that removes significant upfront costs of around £1,000 to install a home charger. Not only does a subscription spread the initial cost outlay, but included in our offering is cashback to cover the costs of up to 7,500 miles of charging - that's the average mileage UK drivers cover each year - helping to offset the increase to home electricity bills. Public charging is another key part of the jigsaw, and we need to do more to sync experiences between home and public charging so that it's simple for people to charge depending on their lifestyles and routines. Pod has partnered with Tesco to allow Clubcard members to collect points when they top-up their electric car on a visit to the supermarket. It's another way to charge more affordably, providing more ongoing incentives to make the switch. We are working on more partnerships with major retailers and brands to help unlock the next wave of EV adoption. We should not forget that going electric enables drivers to do their bit for sustainability, one of the fundamental benefits of green mobility. We power more than 5 million electric miles a day and to date have helped drivers save over 45,500 tonnes of CO2. By flexing EV charging in a way that helps the grid balance the increasing demands on it, we also contribute to energy security and can continue to keep costs low. Exemptions from costs like the CVD provides will always matter. But they need to be accompanied by lower cost solutions for everyday electrification needs. A much wider range of help and support will be necessary to help households go electric at scale and keep the grid stable. Melanie Lane is CEO of Pod, one of the UK's leading electric vehicle charging providers
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
We need to take the cost and complexity out of going electric to supercharge EVs
Much of the national conversation around the clean energy and net zero transition has become dominated by cost. The same is true for households. I know this because the business I lead, Pod, has been serving the electric vehicle (EV) community for more than 15 years. While more drivers are making the switch to electric, we cannot be complacent. Pod supports the Standard's Leading the Charge campaign, which backs incentives like the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), exempting EVs from the congestion charge in London. We believe that initiatives that support drivers to make the switch are crucial and we would certainly welcome the extension of CVD beyond 2025. If we truly want to supercharge switching, both the industry and the government have to be on the side of drivers. We need policies to incentivise and reward the right behaviours, but we also need to introduce propositions that take the cost and complexity out of going electric. How we charge, when and at what cost are big questions facing would-be switchers. As the UK's largest charging network, with over 250,000 customers, we know that more than anything, people want to manage their costs, which are only getting higher in an ongoing cost of living crisis. Greener options need to be simple and affordable, rather than another thing for people to worry about. For many, the increase in their home electricity bills can be a concern when making the move to an EV. Plus, they worry about the cost and reliability of being able to charge when they're away from home. Solutions are emerging to help with such cost challenges and anxieties, however. Vehicles typically spend 96% of the time stationary. That's why in most instances, EV charging at long-dwell locations, such as at home, is key to making life with an EV affordable, tapping into cheaper rates when there's less demand on the electricity grid, for example. Furthermore, new options such as subscription models are key to more of us embracing EVs in a cost-effective way. It's why last month we disrupted the market with the launch of a new subscription offering that removes significant upfront costs of around £1,000 to install a home charger. Not only does a subscription spread the initial cost outlay, but included in our offering is cashback to cover the costs of up to 7,500 miles of charging - that's the average mileage UK drivers cover each year - helping to offset the increase to home electricity bills. Public charging is another key part of the jigsaw, and we need to do more to sync experiences between home and public charging so that it's simple for people to charge depending on their lifestyles and routines. Pod has partnered with Tesco to allow Clubcard members to collect points when they top-up their electric car on a visit to the supermarket. It's another way to charge more affordably, providing more ongoing incentives to make the switch. We are working on more partnerships with major retailers and brands to help unlock the next wave of EV adoption. We should not forget that going electric enables drivers to do their bit for sustainability, one of the fundamental benefits of green mobility. We power more than 5 million electric miles a day and to date have helped drivers save over 45,500 tonnes of CO2. By flexing EV charging in a way that helps the grid balance the increasing demands on it, we also contribute to energy security and can continue to keep costs low. Exemptions from costs like the CVD provides will always matter. But they need to be accompanied by lower cost solutions for everyday electrification needs. A much wider range of help and support will be necessary to help households go electric at scale and keep the grid stable. Melanie Lane is CEO of Pod, one of the UK's leading electric vehicle charging providers
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First Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
'I'm much less confident': Trump on whether US can reach nuclear deal with Iran
US President Donald Trump has said that he is now 'much less confident' about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. read more US President Donald Trump has said that he is now 'less confident' than he was two months ago about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. Two days after he rejected the Iranian counter-proposal, Trump told New York Post's 'Pod Force One' podcast that Iran appears to be delaying talks and he is no longer confident about reaching a deal. 'I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more — less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, and I think that's a shame, but I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made,' said Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration and Iran have held five rounds of talks, but the two sides are at loggerheads over the issue of uranium enrichment, with Iran saying it should be allowed to enrich uranium for purported civilian purposes and the Trump administration maintaining that Iran would not be allowed any enrichment. Trump threatens war if no deal is reached Irrespective of Iran signing a deal, it would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but it would be preferable to ensure such an outcome with a deal instead of a war, said Trump. 'Well, if they don't make a deal, they're not going to have a nuclear weapon. If they do make a deal, they're not going have a nuclear weapon, too, you know? But they're not going a have a new nuclear weapon, so it's not going to matter from that standpoint. But it would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying, it's so much nicer to do it,' said Trump. Earlier on Monday, Trump had warned Iran that the failure to reach a deal could lead to 'death and destruction' in Iran. Trump further told The Post that he does not see the 'same level of enthusiasm for them to make a deal'.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Tesco introduces huge Clubcard perk in car parks but there's a catch
Supermarket giant Tesco has just dropped a generous perk for customers using the store's car parks, but not every single shopper will be able to benefit from the incentive Tesco has unveiled a lucrative perk for customers using their car parks - but not every driver will see the benefit. The supermarket giant has confirmed that starting last week (June 4), shoppers will be able to collect Tesco Clubcard points when they charge their electric car on their store's grounds. Customers topping up their EV will earn one Clubcard point for every pound spent on charging at Pod's Vauxhall-branded charges at Tesco stores up and down the nation. Drivers can also get a whopping 2,500 Clubcard points if they sign up for Pod's home charging subscription, Pod Drive, as a new customer. This is worth £25 when converted into Clubcard Vouchers to spend at Tesco, or can be doubled to £50 if used with the supermarket's Clubcard Reward Partners - including easyJet holidays, Disney+, and English Heritage. To access the deal, Tesco shoppers will need to be registered for its Clubcard scheme, which is free to join. You can sign up for the initiative online here - and will get exclusive Clubcard Prices online and in-store straight away. To earn the 2,500-point boost - customers will have to start their order via Pod's website. As part of the sign-up process, you will be asked to sign into your Tesco Clubcard account to link your order. The bonus points will then be credited once your home charger has successfully been installed. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror's Money newsletter here for all the best advice and shopping deals straight to your inbox. "Our customers have long been able to collect points on fuel from Tesco, but with an increasing number of drivers switching to electric vehicles we are delighted that shoppers will now be able to collect Clubcard points when they charge their cars at our stores, thanks to our exciting partnership with Pod," hailed Tesco's Sharma Wilson. "You can now park at your local Tesco and top-up your electric vehicle while you shop, in the knowledge that you are collecting Clubcard points towards a future Tesco shop or to exchange with one of our Reward Partners." Pod's CEO Melanie Lane also welcomes the incentive, stating the company was 'thrilled' to deepen its partnership with the supermarket. "We know thatthe more that EVs blend with peoples' everyday routines, the more it makes sense to go electric, and with our unique partnership we're able to align drivers' charging experiences across both home and public charging points," she added. *Tesco's offer is only valid at Pod Point chargers at Tesco stores - and points will be awarded within seven days of your bulled charging session. You can find your nearest charging bay here.
Metro
06-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Tesco launches Clubcard 'points millionaire' giveaway — but you need to act fast
Tesco has announced an exciting new promotion, giving Clubcard holders the chance to become an instant 'points millionaire'. To celebrate the supermarket loyalty scheme's 30th year, a million Virgin Points will be awarded to one lucky customer, which they can then be spent on holidays, flights, travel upgrades and experiences galore. For context, this top prize is enough for three nights (for two people) at the Mahali Mzuri luxury safari resort in Kenya's Maasai Mara, three nights at the Kasbah Tamadot retreat in the Atlas mountains, and six nights at Mont Rochelle in the heart of South Africa's wine region. Five runners up will also get 500,000 points each, equivalent to the value of around $7,000 (£5,174) according to Nerdwallet analysis. To be in the running, all you need to do is auto-exchange a minimum of 250 Clubcard points with Virgin Red or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. But you'll need to act fast, as the competition closes on July 20. Through auto-exchange – which you can set up on your Virgin Red or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account – each Clubcard point you earn will automatically be converted into two Virgin Points with each quarterly statement.. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And even if you don't win the big jackpot, all new Clubcard members who register before the deadline will get 5,000 bonus Virgin Points — every little helps, right? Alternatively, you can enter the draw by submitting a manual 'request Virgin points' order on the 'my points' section of your Clubcard account. The closing date to do this is also July 20. Kelly Best, managing director of product, customer experience and marketing at Virgin Red, said: 'We're thrilled to be celebrating Tesco Clubcard's 30th birthday with a truly extraordinary giveaway. 'At Virgin Red, we believe in rewarding our members in unforgettable ways, and what better way to do that than by giving them the chance to become a Points Millionaire.' This isn't the only new perk available to Clubcard holders right now either. Tesco also recently launched a new offer where those with electric vehicles can collect one reward point for every pound they spend on Pod chargers at the supermarket's car parks. More Trending At present, Pod operates roughly 2,600 EV charging bays at more than 600 Tesco car Parks across the UK. Shama Wilson, Tesco's group membership and loyalty director, commented: 'Our customers have long been able to collect points on fuel from Tesco, but with an increasing number of drivers switching to electric vehicles we are delighted that shoppers will now be able to collect Clubcard points when they charge their cars at our stores, thanks to our exciting partnership with Pod. 'You can now park at your local Tesco and top-up your electric vehicle while you shop, in the knowledge that you are collecting Clubcard points towards a future Tesco shop or to exchange with one of our Reward Partners.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: M&S shoppers drooling over 'naughty' new desserts as 100 products added to range MORE: Australian Mars chocolate that fans say is 'perfect' spotted in UK supermarket MORE: Tesco has 'new rule' for bakery products — and it involves 60p pastries Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
