What is Peer-to-Peer Sharing?

The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about any number of exciting innovations - but it's also been met with challenges. Data from July 2024 shows that the UK is in the middle of a public charge point deployment boom, with the network growing 47% in the previous twelve months.

But distribution is not equal: if some areas of the country have more than enough public charging points for everyone, others are lagging woefully behind. Until the national infrastructure catches up, there is a promising local solution well worth exploring: peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing.

What is Peer-to-Peer Sharing in EV Charging?

Peer-to-peer EV charger sharing allows individuals to share their private charging points with other EV drivers through a networked platform. Homeowners who own EV chargers can register their chargers on a P2P sharing platform, making them available for others in need of a charge. This model benefits both charger owners, who earn a passive income, and EV drivers, who gain access to convenient and affordable charging options while away from home or, where public charging points are not yet adequately available.

How Does Peer-to-Peer Charger Sharing Work?

Here’s how a typical P2P EV charger sharing system operates:

●     Registration: Homeowners with EV chargers create an account on a sharing platform, such as GoPlugable, and list their chargers. They can set parameters such as availability, fees, and booking preferences.

●     Search and Booking: EV drivers looking for a charge can browse the platform for nearby chargers. They book an available slot, often at a cost significantly lower than public charging stations.

●     Charging Session: Once a booking is confirmed, the driver plugs in their car and charges their EV. Longer cables, such as those used in Charge Gully’s pavement cable gully system, can provide flexibility in cases where parking spots are limited.

●     Compensation: The charger owner earns a fee for hosting the session, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Sharing

Homeowners with EV chargers can earn extra income by renting out their unused charging capacity. This turns their charger into a valuable asset that will help offset the installation costs - and quickly!

For EV drivers in urban areas or locations with limited public charging infrastructure, P2P sharing expands access. Platforms make it easy to find a nearby charger, reducing range anxiety and encouraging EV adoption.

One of the standout advantages of P2P charger sharing is its affordability. Public charging stations are a lot more expensive than charging at home - with an estimated difference of £1200 a year! By sharing home chargers, EV owners can access cost-effective charging, helping bridge the gap between those with and without private charging facilities.

Here at Charge Gully, we know that home charging is the cheapest way to charge. It’s one of the many benefits of having Charge Gully in your neighbourhood. We’ve partnered with GoPlugable to make it easy for you to make your charger available to your neighbours, too.