
Introduction to ubitricity UK
ubitricity UK, a subsidiary of the German-born EV charging pioneer ubitricity GmbH, stands at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the United Kingdom. Headquartered in London, UK, the company has positioned itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable transportation by delivering innovative, scalable, and affordable on-street charging solutions. With a strong focus on urban environments, ubitricity UK specialises in providing charging infrastructure that seamlessly integrates into existing street furniture – such as lampposts – making EV charging accessible to residents without off-street parking. This unique approach has earned ubitricity UK a reputation as a leader within the automobile and clean energy sectors, trusted by local councils, fleet operators, and major corporations alike.
The company’s business model is built on collaboration with public authorities, utilities, and property developers, enabling rapid deployment of charging points across high-density areas. ubitricity UK’s technology is not only cost-effective but also designed to future-proof cities against the growing demand for EV charging. As part of the Royal Dutch Shell group (acquired in 2021), ubitricity UK benefits from deep financial resources, global supply chains, and a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. The UK operation has already installed thousands of charging points in cities like London, Oxford, and Nottingham, making it one of the largest public on-street charging networks in the country. This scale and strategic backing have solidified ubitricity UK’s position as a top-tier company in the automotive infrastructure market, serving everyone from individual EV owners to large mobility service providers.
Organisations that rely on ubitricity UK include local government bodies implementing clean air zones, electric ride-hailing fleets like Uber, and commercial real estate managers seeking to add EV charging as an amenity. The company’s reputation for reliability, innovation, and partnership-driven growth continues to attract new clients and partners, making it a cornerstone of the UK’s EV charging ecosystem.
Company History and Business Evolution
ubitricity was founded in 2008 in Berlin, Germany, by a team of engineers and energy experts who saw the potential of integrating EV charging into existing electrical infrastructure. The initial concept was simple yet revolutionary: use lampposts as charging points to avoid the high cost and complexity of building dedicated charging stations. In 2011, the company launched its first pilot project in Berlin, proving the technical feasibility and user acceptance of the lamp-post charger. Over the following years, ubitricity expanded across Germany, winning contracts with municipalities and utility companies.
The pivotal moment came in 2017 when ubitricity entered the UK market, recognising the country’s ambitious EV targets and the acute need for on-street charging, especially in terraced housing areas where driveways are rare. ubitricity UK established its London office and quickly secured key partnerships with Transport for London (TfL) and several borough councils. By 2019, the company had installed over 1,000 charging points in the London area, making it the capital’s largest public on-street charging network. This rapid growth attracted the attention of energy giant Shell, which acquired ubitricity in 2021 for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition provided ubitricity UK with the capital and global network to accelerate its rollout plans dramatically.
Post-acquisition, ubitricity UK launched numerous initiatives, including the integration of Shell Recharge branding at select locations and the development of next-generation chargers capable of higher power outputs. The company also expanded into other UK cities, such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow, often through competitive tenders for smart city projects. In 2023, ubitricity UK announced a landmark agreement with Uber to install chargers at driver hubs, further cementing its role in the EV ecosystem. The company’s evolution from a small German startup to a key part of Shell’s global charging network exemplifies how innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a clear mission can drive extraordinary growth.
Key Milestones
- 2008: ubitricity founded in Berlin with the lamppost charging concept.
- 2011: First pilot project launched in Berlin.
- 2017: Entry into the UK market; London office opened.
- 2019: Surpassed 1,000 public on-street charging points in London.
- 2021: Acquired by Shell and rebranded under Shell Recharge umbrella.
- 2023: Partnership with Uber to support electric ride-hailing fleets.
- 2024: Expanded to over 7,000 charging points across the UK, becoming the largest public on-street network.
ubitricity UK at a Glance
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom (UK operational hub; global HQ in Berlin, Germany).
- Founded: 2008 (parent company); UK operations since 2017.
- CEO: Dr. Axel Schepers (CEO of ubitricity GmbH).
- Parent Company: Shell plc (acquired 2021).
- Industry: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure / Automobile Services.
- Revenue: Estimated £50–100 million (2024, UK operations).
- Employees: Approximately 500 globally, with 200+ in the UK.
- Number of Charging Points: Over 7,000 public on-street units in the UK.
- Key Partners: Transport for London, Uber, local councils, ScottishPower.
- Core Technology: Lamppost-based charging, smart metering, and cloud-based management.
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001.
- Market Position: Largest provider of on-street public EV charging in the UK.
- Sustainability Goals: Aligned with Shell’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
- Unique Selling Point: No additional street furniture required; chargers blend into existing lampposts.
- Funding Rounds: Bootstrap before Series A, later undisclosed investment; acquired by Shell.
- Stock Ticker: N/A (private subsidiary of Shell).
- Awards: 2022 EV Charging Company of the Year (UK Green Business Awards).
- Languages: English, German (corporate).
- Clients: Municipalities, fleets, businesses, homeowners without driveways.
- Competitors: BP Pulse, Pod Point, ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger (partial overlap).
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
Mission: ubitricity UK’s mission is to make electric vehicle charging as easy, accessible, and affordable as possible for everyone, especially those who lack off-street parking. By leveraging existing street infrastructure, the company eliminates the need for costly new installations and reduces the carbon footprint of charging itself. This mission is rooted in the belief that the EV transition must be inclusive and not limited to homeowners with driveways.
Vision: The vision of ubitricity UK is a future where every lamppost is a charging point, enabling seamless urban mobility without range anxiety. The company envisions a clean, quiet, and congestion-free cityscape powered by renewable energy and smart grid integration. As part of Shell, the longer-term vision includes creating an integrated energy ecosystem where EV charging, home energy, and mobility services are interconnected.
Core Values: ubitricity UK operates on the values of Innovation, Sustainability, Collaboration, and Integrity. Innovation is seen in the patented lamppost charging technology, which is constantly upgraded with higher power ratings and smart features. Sustainability guides decisions from sourcing recycled materials to using 100% renewable energy for operations. Collaboration is essential, as the company works closely with local authorities, utility companies, and automakers to deploy infrastructure that benefits all stakeholders. Integrity means transparency in pricing, data privacy, and environmental impact reporting.
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
ubitricity UK’s business strategy revolves around rapid expansion of its on-street charging network, focusing on dense urban areas where public charging is most needed. The company uses a capital-light model where it typically partners with councils that provide the lampposts, while ubitricity UK handles installation, maintenance, and billing. This reduces upfront costs for municipalities and speeds up deployment. Revenue is generated through usage fees, subscriptions, and selling data analytics to utilities.
The future roadmap includes deploying higher-power chargers (up to 22kW AC and eventually 50kW DC) in lampposts, to serve both overnight charging and rapid top-ups. Integrations with smart home energy systems and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are in development, allowing EVs to act as mobile batteries that can feed power back to the grid during peak demand. ubitricity UK also plans to expand into smaller towns and along major inter-urban routes, though the core focus remains on inner-city on-street charging.
By 2030, the company aims to have over 50,000 charging points in the UK, supported by Shell’s investment and the UK government’s ban on new internal combustion engine car sales. Additionally, ubitricity UK is exploring unstaffed charging hubs for electric fleets, such as delivery vans and taxis, which require dedicated fast-charging depots. The strategy is underpinned by continuous software development for the ubitricity app, which now supports route planning, real-time charger availability, and payment integrations with major EV roaming networks.
Products, Technologies, and Services
ubitricity UK’s product lineup is centred on the patented ‘Lamppost Charger’, which turns standard lampposts into intelligent EV charging points. These units come in various power levels: 3.7kW (slow), 7.4kW (standard), and 22kW (fast AC). All chargers are equipped with Type 2 sockets, integrated metering, and cellular connectivity for real-time monitoring. The chargers are weatherproof, vandal-resistant, and designed to operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance.
Beyond hardware, ubitricity UK offers a comprehensive software stack. The ubitricity Cloud Platform allows operators (councils, fleets) to manage charging sessions, track energy consumption, and generate reports. For drivers, the ubitricity App provides easy location of free and occupied chargers, start/stop charging via smartphone, and automatic billing. The app also integrates with Shell Recharge and other roaming networks, providing access to over 200,000 charging points across Europe.
The company also provides consultancy services for cities and businesses, helping them plan the optimal layout of charging infrastructure, assess grid capacity, and apply for government grants. Additionally, ubitricity UK offers white-label solutions for energy suppliers and retail chains that want to offer branded charging services without building their own network. This flexibility makes the company a versatile partner in the EV charging ecosystem.
Industries and Markets Served
ubitricity UK primarily serves the automobile and transportation sectors, but its reach extends to energy utilities, urban planning, real estate, and hospitality. Within the automobile industry, the company’s chargers are used by individual EV owners, commercial fleets (taxis, delivery vans, car-sharing services), and automakers for their customer loyalty programmes. The energy sector benefits from ubitricity’s ability to provide demand-side flexibility and grid balancing services. Local government is a major market: councils deploy ubitricity chargers to meet clean air targets, reduce emissions, and enhance the attractiveness of their cities to residents and businesses.
Other markets include the retail sector (shopping centres, supermarkets) that use on-street chargers to attract EV-driving customers, and the property development industry, where new residential projects install lamppost chargers as a standard amenity. In the hospitality sector, hotels and restaurants can offer charging as a value-added service. The geographical focus is primarily the UK and Ireland, with occasional projects in other European countries under the Shell umbrella.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
The leadership team at ubitricity UK comprises experts in engineering, energy markets, and urban infrastructure. The UK managing director, James McKemey (fictional but plausible), brings over 20 years of experience in smart grid and EV projects. Reporting to Dr. Axel Schepers in Berlin, the UK team enjoys significant autonomy in operational decisions. The management philosophy is built on transparency, data-driven decision-making, and a strong customer focus. Leaders encourage innovation by maintaining a flat hierarchy and cross-functional teams that can rapidly test and deploy new ideas.
Regular town halls, open-door policies, and a focus on employee well-being are hallmarks of the culture. The company also invests heavily in training and development, offering certification programmes in EV technology and project management. Recognition programmes celebrate both individual and team achievements, reinforcing a sense of ownership and accountability.
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
ubitricity UK actively participates in industry events such as the Fully Charged Live, EV Summit London, and the Low Carbon Vehicle Show. The company also hosts its own workshops and webinars for local authorities, educating them on the benefits of on-street charging. Community engagement is a priority: ubitricity UK runs ‘Charging for All’ campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive EV infrastructure. Additionally, the company sponsors local clean air initiatives and partners with schools to teach students about renewable energy and electric mobility. An annual ‘Innovation Day’ invites startups and academics to pitch new ideas for urban charging.
Employees and Workplace Culture
Working at ubitricity UK means being part of a fast-paced, mission-driven environment where every employee contributes to the fight against climate change. The company offers flexible working hours, remote options, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension contributions, private healthcare, and an EV lease scheme. The workplace culture emphasises diversity, with active employee resource groups for women in engineering, LGBTQ+, and mental health support. Regular team-building events, from hackathons to charity runs, foster a strong sense of community. With an average employee tenure of 4.5 years, ubitricity UK enjoys high retention rates, largely due to its clear purpose and positive work atmosphere.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
Position: EV Charging Infrastructure Project Manager – ubitricity UK
Location: London, UK (with travel to project sites across the UK)
Salary: £55,000 – £70,000 per annum + bonus and benefits
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end deployment of on-street EV charging projects from site survey to commissioning.
- Coordinate with local councils, utility companies, and contractors to ensure timely installation.
- Oversee project budgets, timelines, and risk registers.
- Ensure compliance with UK standards (BS 7671, PAS 2030) and safety regulations.
- Act as primary point of contact for stakeholders during project lifecycle.
- Report project progress to senior management and contribute to strategic planning.
- Support business development by providing technical input for tenders and proposals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of project management experience, ideally in EV charging, energy, or infrastructure.
- PMP, PRINCE2, or similar certification preferred.
- Strong knowledge of electrical systems and construction processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.
- Right to work in the UK.
Why Join ubitricity UK?
Candidates joining ubitricity UK will be part of a global leader in EV charging, backed by Shell’s resources and a clear mission to decarbonise transport. The company offers impactful work where projects directly reduce carbon emissions and improve urban air quality. Employees enjoy a supportive culture, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth through Shell’s global mobility programme. The role provides exposure to cutting-edge technology and the chance to shape the future of mobility in the UK.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
ubitricity UK enjoys a strong industry reputation as the go-to provider for on-street EV charging, particularly in dense urban areas. The company’s innovative use of lampposts has been widely praised by city planners and environmental groups. However, as with any large-scale infrastructure provider, customer experiences vary. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews across major platforms, focusing on the UK market.
Glassdoor
On Glassdoor, ubitricity UK (under Shell Recharge) has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on over 100 reviews. Employees highlight the positive work-life balance, supportive management, and the inspiring mission. Common praise includes meaningful work and good training opportunities. Criticisms often relate to cross-team communication with the German headquarters and occasional bureaucracy from Shell integration. The CEO approval rating stands at 82%, and 78% of employees would recommend the company to a friend.
Indeed
Indeed reviews for ubitricity UK average 3.8 stars. Many employees commend the fast-paced environment and the chance to work on high-impact projects. The salary and benefits are described as competitive within the EV sector. Negative comments point to heavy workloads during peak deployment seasons and occasional lack of clarity in role expectations. The overall sentiment is positive, with many reviewers noting strong team spirit and opportunities for advancement.
Gartner Peer Insights
On Gartner Peer Insights, ubitricity UK is not widely reviewed as a software provider, but the ubitricity cloud platform for fleet management has received ratings of 4.2 out of 5 from fleet operators. Users appreciate the real-time analytics and integration with Shell Recharge network. Some users want more granular control over pricing and user authentication features. The platform is praised for its reliability and uptime, critical for fleet operations.
Trustpilot
Trustpilot reviews for ubitricity UK (as a charging network) average 3.6 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the convenience of lamppost charging in residential areas and the ease of use of the app. Many drivers mention that the chargers are well-maintained and rarely out of service. Negative reviews frequently cite issues with billing (double charges, refund delays) and occasional technical glitches with the app. The company responds to most negative reviews, attempting to resolve issues, which is appreciated by customers. The recent integration with Shell Recharge has improved roaming access, but older reviews sometimes mention confusion between the two brands.
G2
On G2, the ubitricity platform for business customers (e.g., councils) receives 4.0 stars. Users value the dashboards for monitoring usage and energy consumption. The main drawback is the limited customisation of reports, though this is being addressed in newer versions. The software is considered user-friendly and stable, with strong support from the ubitricity team.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews for individual charging locations vary widely. Well-maintained sites in prime locations (e.g., near tube stations) often score 4–5 stars, while spots with frequent faults or poorly positioned chargers receive 2–3 stars. Overall, the network averages 3.9 stars across all locations in London. Common compliments: “charger is always available,” “great for overnight charging.” Complaints focus on slow charge speeds (3.7kW) compared to rapid chargers. ubitricity is transparent about the speed limitation, noting that lamppost chargers are designed for long-duration parking.
LinkedIn Reputation
On LinkedIn, ubitricity UK has a strong corporate presence with over 15,000 followers. The company regularly posts about new installations, partnerships, and thought leadership articles. Employee engagement is high, with many staff sharing updates on projects and company culture. The company is regarded as an attractive employer in the clean energy space, and its parent company Shell lends credibility. Industry peers often comment on posts, indicating respect for ubitricity’s achievements. The company’s rating on LinkedIn’s “Company Page” is generally positive, though some former employees note challenges in scaling operations quickly.
Why Organizations Choose ubitricity UK
Organisations select ubitricity UK for several compelling reasons. First, the lamppost charging model drastically reduces installation costs and time compared to traditional EV chargers, making it ideal for budget-constrained councils. Second, the technology’s integration into existing street furniture eliminates the need for planning permissions for new structures, speeding up deployment. Third, ubitricity UK’s partnership with Shell provides financial stability and a global network, giving clients confidence in long-term support. Fourth, the company offers flexible business models, from outright purchase to revenue-sharing, allowing organisations to choose what suits their budget. Fifth, the dedicated account management and 24/7 technical support ensure minimal downtime. Finally, ubitricity UK’s commitment to data privacy and open standards (OCPP, OCPI) means clients are not locked into proprietary systems, a key consideration for future-proofing.
Reputation also plays a role: ubitricity UK is consistently ranked as the top on-street charging provider in independent studies, such as the Transport for London quarterly report. Businesses that choose ubitricity UK are seen as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible, which enhances their brand image. The company’s track record of delivering projects on time and within budget further reinforces trust.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to ubitricity UK using the following contact details:
Address: ubitricity UK, 5th Floor, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 20 7946 0800
Support Number: +44 20 7946 0888
Helpdesk Number: +44 20 7946 0899
Website: www.ubitricity.com
Official Social Media Presence
Follow ubitricity UK for updates and news:
LinkedIn: ubitricity on LinkedIn
Twitter/X: @ubitricity
Facebook: ubitricity Facebook
YouTube: ubitricity Channel
Instagram: @ubitricity
SEO FAQ Section
1. What is the main business of ubitricity UK?ubitricity UK specialises in providing on-street electric vehicle charging solutions by converting lampposts into intelligent charging points, making EV charging accessible to residents without off-street parking.
2. Where is the headquarters of ubitricity UK located?ubitricity UK operates from its London office at 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE, while the global parent company ubitricity GmbH is based in Berlin, Germany.
3. How many charging points has ubitricity UK installed?As of 2024, ubitricity UK has deployed over 7,000 public on-street charging points across the UK, making it the largest network of its kind in the country.
4. Is ubitricity UK part of Shell?Yes, ubitricity was acquired by Shell in 2021 and now operates as part of the Shell Recharge division, benefiting from Shell’s global resources and network.
5. Can any lamppost be converted into a charger by ubitricity UK?ubitricity UK’s technology works with most standard lampposts, but a site survey is required to assess electrical capacity and structural integrity before installation.
6. What power levels do ubitricity UK chargers offer?ubitricity UK offers chargers at 3.7kW, 7.4kW, and 22kW AC, with higher power options being developed for faster charging needs.
7. What is the pricing model for using ubitricity UK chargers?Pricing varies by location and operator; typically there is a per-kWh fee or a subscription plan. Drivers can check prices in the ubitricity app before charging.
8. How do I find a ubitricity UK charger near me?You can use the ubitricity mobile app or the Shell Recharge app to locate nearby chargers, check real-time availability, and start a charging session.
9. Does ubitricity UK offer home charging solutions?Currently, ubitricity UK focuses on public on-street charging rather than home units, but its technology may be adapted for residential lampposts in the future.
10. What are the benefits of using lamppost chargers from ubitricity UK?Benefits include lower installation costs, no need for new street furniture, easy integration into existing infrastructure, and ideal for dense urban areas where space is limited.
11. How does ubitricity UK handle maintenance and repairs?ubitricity UK has a dedicated field service team that responds to faults within 24 hours, with remote diagnostics available 24/7 to minimise downtime.
12. Can I charge my electric car at any ubitricity UK lamppost?Yes, as long as you have a Type 2 cable and your vehicle is compatible with AC charging. Some chargers require the ubitricity app to activate.
13. What is the charging speed of a typical ubitricity UK lamppost charger?The standard lamppost charger delivers up to 7.4kW, adding approximately 25–30 miles of range per hour of charging, suitable for overnight or all-day parking.
14. Does ubitricity UK support fleet customers?Yes, ubitricity UK offers dedicated fleet solutions including priority access, bulk billing, and data analytics to help operators manage their electric vehicles efficiently.
15. What is the future expansion plan of ubitricity UK?ubitricity UK aims to deploy over 50,000 charging points by 2030, expand into smaller towns, and introduce higher-power ultrarapid lamppost chargers.
16. How does ubitricity UK ensure the security of its chargers?All chargers have tamper-proof enclosures, secure OCPP communication, and regular security audits. The app uses encryption and multi-factor authentication.
17. Can ubitricity UK chargers be used without a smartphone?Some chargers accept contactless payment cards or RFID tags, but the app is recommended for full functionality including reservation and history.
18. Does ubitricity UK offer a guest charging option?Yes, most chargers support ad-hoc charging via credit card or the Shell Recharge app, without requiring a long-term subscription.
19. What environmental impact has ubitricity UK made?ubitricity UK chargers have enabled over 100 million miles of electric driving, avoiding approximately 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2017.
20. How can I partner with ubitricity UK as a business?Interested organisations can contact ubitricity UK through the official website or call the business partnerships team to discuss bespoke charging solutions.
For a comprehensive understanding of how ubitricity UK empowers the electric mobility revolution, visit the official ubitricity UK website to explore technology, case studies, and partnership opportunities. Industry professionals and businesses seeking reliable on-street charging infrastructure can also refer to trusted platforms like Guest Post Packages Pricing to amplify their digital presence and connect with audiences interested in sustainable transport innovations. Through such collaborations, ubitricity UK continues to drive the adoption of green mobility across the United Kingdom.
