Octopus rebrands roaming charge service to become ‘Electric Universe’

Octopus Energy’s public charge point roaming service Electric Juice has been rebranded to Electric Universe as the British energy brand continues to expand its reach. The service, which allows Electric Universe card holders to access more than 300,000 charge points globally, has become one of the biggest ‘virtual networks’ since its launch two years ago.

The service, which uses both an RFID card or app, is open to all drivers, although Octopus Energy customers have the added option of adding their charging costs to their domestic energy bills. 

To date, more than 450 charging networks have joined, including IONITY, Osprey, Mer, Fastned, Char.gy and EVBox. Just in the last two months Geniepoint, MFG and ShellRecharge joined the roaming service, adding hundreds more rapid chargers for customers across the UK, with more scheduled to come onboard this year. 

Octopus has also struck deals with a number of European brands, making continental road trips simpler. Although contactless debit and credit card payments are the norm in the UK, many European charging brands use network cards and apps. 

As part of the rebrand to Electric Universe, Octopus has updated its app to include an interactive map that shows charge points and their availability across more than 50 countries. 

Commenting on the update, Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Energy’s Electric Universe, added: “For many, charging simplicity is the key to making the switch to an EV. The technology we’re building with Electric Universe means that the greener and cheaper option will also be the easiest option - positively transforming the EV charging experience for people across the globe today and in the years to come.”

Octopus Electric Universe 'virtual network' allows access to more than 300,000 chargers across Europe