2022, a year of evolution, expansion & electrification

Well, what a year 2022 has been for the electric vehicle industry and industries alike. It’s been a year since I accepted my position as the Managing Director of Sevadis ; I remember being on garden leave from my previous role and thinking ‘2022 is perhaps going to be my most challenging year to date, professionally and personally.’ It’s fair to say that I have been faced with a few obstacles this year, some of which have been out of my control, however, this year has undoubtedly been a year of education, expansion and evolution, not just for Sevadis, but for the wider industry.?

This year, we were presented with the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 - a regulation welcomed by all. Smart charging was and is a pivotal step in ensuring that demand does not exceed the capacity of the grid; a matter that many EV sceptics were (and to some extent, still are) concerned about. In addition to these regulations, earlier this year, the government also introduced the mandatory requirement for EV charging points at all new developments, whether that be housing or commercial developments - this includes locations that have plans to go through major redevelopments. Both the smart charging regulations and mandatory EV charging point legislation prove that the UK is steering towards the right direction for an electrified future, but admittedly, there’s more to do. For the roll-out of a nationwide EV charging system, there requires collaboration between key stakeholders, such as EV charging point manufacturers and providers; distributors; electrical contractors and both central and local authorities, as well as the private sector.?

At Sevadis, in 2022, we understood the assignment. We knew that one of the key motivators for drivers making the switch to electric was to provide a seamless and straightforward EV charging experience. With that in mind, we formed a unique partnership with global powerhouse and experts in vehicle diagnostics, AUTEL Energy - Europe , to design, develop and deliver an easy-to-use and easy-to-install EV charging point. The MaxiCharger was born and since its introduction to the industry, it has gained much interest amongst electrical contractors, businesses, organisations and electric vehicle drivers across the UK. Electrical contractors welcomed its simple installation process; businesses appreciated its smart functionalities and capabilities; electric vehicle drivers admired its aesthetic appeal (and some even compared its sleek look to an Apple product). For Sevadis, the MaxiCharger introduced numerous opportunities for businesses of all shapes, sizes and disciplines, taking Sevadis to the next level and positioning the company as a mover and shaker in the industry.?

Forming strategic partnerships and relationships were and are fundamental to Sevadis’ growth journey. This year, we understood that a complete turnkey EV charging solution for customers was paramount in delivering a seamless experience for businesses and EV drivers. EV charging software is crucial for charging point operators, whether that be a fleet manager, or an EV driver - that’s why we partnered with software providers, Monta and Fuuse . The integration between the MaxiCharger and the two EV charging software providers extended our offering whilst providing our customers with choice - a concept we strongly believe in. Furthermore, we joined forces with EV charging point installation platform, Jumptech , to amplify the roll-out of EV charging points across the nation by providing electrical contractors, businesses and EV drivers with complete transparency of EV charging point installation progress.?

Whilst all of the above partnerships play a critical role in Sevadis’ journey, we cannot mention partnerships without discussing the importance of collaborating with electrical wholesalers and electrical contractors. This year, we have widened our reach, enabling electrical contractors to purchase our products via their preferred wholesaler network, including City Electrical Factors and YESSS Electrical , ensuring that our products are accessible and available across all regions in the UK. Our Sevadis Approved Installer base continues to grow, as do our Premium Installation Partners, all of whom are contributing towards the future of electrification with their expert skills in delivering exceptional standards in installations for both B2C and B2B requirements.?

I started this article highlighting how challenging the year has been, but these challenges could not have been overcome without the determination, drive and diligence of the entire workforce at Sevadis. When I stepped into the doors of Sevadis, there were seven of us, now this figure has more than doubled - each and every single one of these individuals have contributed towards Sevadis’ growth journey. From the sales team to the marketing; the operations team to the technical; the finance team to the senior management - the progress in 2022 could not have been achieved without them. As we are all aware, the EV industry is fast-paced and can be relentless at times, but one thing I can say is that my team at Sevadis have not only met my expectations, they have exceeded them. We, as a collective, have delivered EV charging solutions to numerous reputable organisations across the UK; supported the electrification of many drivers who have made the transition to electric vehicles; become a go-to provider for all things EV charging and to finalise, achieved record-breaking sales this year.?

A huge thank you to everyone for supporting Sevadis this year, we couldn’t have done it without you. We are excited to be working with you again in 2023! But, for now, we are all taking a well-deserved break at Sevadis - now is the time to create memories with our loved ones and recharge our batteries ready for another year of growth, development and prosperity.