A recent article on DIGIT, citing a study by CarGuide, provided an overview of Scotland’s best and worst places to own an EV. The key takeaway is that fast charging infrastructure is woefully inadequate and not evenly distributed.

Mobile and broadband networks took many decades to deploy and even today far too many rural communities still lack adequate coverage. This is due to simple economics as commercial entities need to prioritise areas that contain the highest concentration of customers.

Unfortunately, relying on the public sector is not the answer.

Using taxpayers’ money to fund and operate fast-charging networks sounds like a good idea. The problem is that not only does it drain the public purse, but it also interferes with free-market principles.

If the price is set at levels that are not commercially viable for the private sector, they simply won’t participate. So, if government intervention isn’t the answer and the private sector is reluctant to invest until there are enough EVs on the road, what is? It’s a classic chicken and egg situation.

In addition, far too many potential EV buyers are unwilling to trade in their fossil-powered vehicles for fear of getting stranded – this is referred to as “range anxiety,” an issue we’re trying to crack at MX3 CS.

We’ve developed a quick fix in the form of a portable blockchain-connected smart meter called AtomEV. Though it’s not something you often hear a founder saying, we actually hope it will have a short shelf-life because it won’t be needed when fast chargers become ubiquitous.

Ideally, you wouldn’t use AtomEV if you have access to a fast charger as it’s primarily for emergency charging when you’re critically low and can’t get to a commercial charging station.

Our solution piggybacks on existing, ubiquitous electrical infrastructure – the millions of 3-pin power sockets that can be found in every building throughout the UK.

AtomEV sits between the charging cable and the power socket and connects to the Internet via a companion app. It calculates the value of energy consumed and then almost instantly transfers payment into the plug socket owner’s bank account.

We take a commission that’s added to each charging session. Although it’s slow compared to a fast charger, it does offer a seamless way to pay for energy if you’re caught short and it removes all the guesswork, haggling, and social awkwardness.

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We were surprised to discover how common it is for EV drivers to barter; everything from bottles of wine to tobacco products have been offered in exchange for energy!

Having to rely on bartering and the generosity of friends, family, and strangers is not sustainable – particularly for businesses that have a legal obligation to keep a record of every commercial transaction.

The travel and hospitality sector have generally been willing to allow guests to charge their EVs at no additional cost, but as the price per kWh continues to skyrocket many are feeling the pinch.

For businesses that can’t afford to give away free electricity, or foot the bill to install fast-charging points, AtomEV is a good interim solution. It can also be used by the travel and hospitality industry to generate additional income as the default price per kWh can be amended to whatever the market will bear.

MX3 Commerce Solutions Ltd 

MX3 Commerce Solutions Ltd (T/A MX3 CS) was founded in 2019 by Simon Montford (CEO) and Ian Smith (CTO). They are about to start beta testing with a cohort of around 100 test users in areas of Scotland that lack fast-charging infrastructure. Having developed its basic proof-of-concept, the company is in the process of raising an SEIS round of funding that will close on the 5th April 2022.