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  • Nov 2, 2021

  • 7 min read

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Why driving shouldn't cost the earth: Octopus Electric Vehicles at COP26

Climate change is bad news. But you knew that. Maybe you don’t know that a quarter of global emissions are from transport? In the UK, it's one-third of our carbon emissions? The planet needs us to get going electric – and fast.

So, we’re going on a road trip – zero emission – spreading the EV gospel. From Southampton to Aberdeen, we're debunking myths, enjoying the thrill of electric driving, singing loud and proud (more on that later). Come and drive some of the latest EVs with us – we’d love to see you.

At COP in Glasgow, you’ll find our CEO, Fiona, calling for more EV progress – sooner. She’s speaking at many events, including a big EV panel in THE Blue Zone on Transport Day. It’ll be streamed live from the GB Pavilion for all to watch. If you’re in town, do come and watch Fiona at one of the other events - from the CBI Hustings to the New York Times Hub.


We’ll be catching up with Scottish employers, including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which is already giving their people access to amazing EV deals through our salary sacrifice scheme.

And we're gathering forty industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to pinpoint the bottlenecks slowing EV growth. Copper shortages to charger shortages. Battery capacities to manufacturing capacities. What action must we take now before these become an issue?

Finally, we're listening to the future generation. If we don't act now, it’s our children who’ll feel the impact. We've worked with Hopscotch Songs to pen a song for kids – it’s all about the things we can do to hit net zero. As individuals, families, businesses, industry, and governments. Kids have created a video encouraging children across the globe to record some of the catchy chorus and post it online with #GetAMoveOn- Check out more at GetAMoveOnGrownups.com, and why not record your own video? And check out the full Climate Change Song from Hopscotch on YouTube.


Want to know more about COP25 itself? Here's the lowdown from our team member Ollie:


COP26 is finally here – the perfect opportunity to share the message that the switch to electric driving will get us all towards Net Zero – sooner.

🌍What is COP26?


COP26 brings together governments and industries to formulate Net Zero policies. Ambitious climate targets for 2030 will be announced, ensuring that those set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement are met, including the commitment that temperatures don’t rise beyond 1.5°C by 2050. Missing the target will be disastrous. Collaboration and substantial investment in renewables and sustainable transport – across the world – are required to make it happen. EVs have a huge and a very exciting role to play.


🚗 The importance of EVs during COP26


One-third of Britain’s carbon emissions come from transport. The Climate Change Committee states that:

'It is highly likely that road transportation emissions will have to be essentially eliminated by around mid-century through ZEVs [zero emission vehicles] as part of a plausible global transition pathway consistent with the Paris Agreement.'

EVs cut emissions – significantly. On average, switching to an EV saves 1.4 tonnes of CO2 per year per person. UK government initiatives to spur EV uptake are well documented, including a ban on the sale of brand new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 and significant infrastructure investment. On a local level, UK councils are implementing Clean Air Zones, and London's Ultra Low Emission Zone has just expanded significantly.

COP26 is the chance to go further, accelerating EV progress. We’re calling on governments and industry to realise the incredible potential that EVs represent in the march towards Net Zero. They must back our scientists and engineers – more researching, more developing. They must support carmakers to meet growing demand. Gigafactories should be welcomed. And businesses and drivers must be encouraged to go electric.

🐙 What we're doing at Octopus


We make the eco choice the easy choice by providing the complete solution. A choice of 36 new EVs (and counting), home and on the road charging, 100% renewable power, and 5-star customer support.


⚡ Myth-busting through education


From questions about specifications, ranges and batteries, we give people the facts through online workshops, blogs, and videos. We like to talk too. Call us, email, or even better, come and see us at one of our events.


📌Where we'll be during COP26


Our Roadshow Team is all over Scotland during COP26, giving people the chance to learn and – perhaps more exciting – drive EVs. Hit the button below and come and see us – we look forward to meeting you!


⚡ See where we'll be during COP26 ⚡

⚡ Making the switch simple and affordable


Octopus Electric Vehicles’ salary sacrifice scheme - Electric Dreams - allows employers to help their people get going electric with savings of up to 40% on the cost of driving electric.**

Drivers get incredible choice, smart charging, flexible power, and expert guidance. Plus, maintenance, tyres, road tax, breakdown cover and optional insurance.

Employers get a simple scheme, support, and make great progress towards their net zero targets – ten cars is the equivalent of planting an entire wood. And it doesn’t just do good - it looks good too.


100% renewable is also up to 80% cheaper! Through Intelligent Octopus Go - the 100% renewable energy tariff designed for EV drivers - you can save up to 80% when charging compared to fuelling a petrol or diesel car. Charging while you sleep maximises the super cheap nighttime rate. Save the planet and save money – a win-win!


⚡ Driving change through collaboration and innovation


The positive EV impact goes beyond the car itself. Take Powerloop, our Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) project, in partnership with organisations like UK Power Networks (UKPN) and the Energy Saving Trust. Linking a Nissan LEAF with the Wallbox Quasar V2G charger allows drivers to export car battery power to the grid during peak demand. In short, EVs are becoming part of the UK’s energy network. Powerloop’s recent entry into the UK’s largest flexibility market, in collaboration with National Grid ESO, proves just that.

Elsewhere, Electroverse enables you to charge fearlessly, opening up a simple, consolidated public charging system across Europe. One account, one card, 100,000 charge points. Payments are added to your monthly energy bill, making on-the-go charging easy.