Allstar and Openreach: The EV transition

Openreach operates one of the largest racked fleets in the UK, carrying tools and equipment that add significant laden weight, affecting its electric vehicles’ real-world range.

Operating a diverse fleet, Openreach is the second largest commercial fleet and the second largest electric fleet in the UK. A predominantly van-based fleet of approximately 23,000 vehicles, it has more than 7,000 EVs and around 2,500 home charging users. 

In order to achieve its 2031 commitments to net zero Openreach needed to electrify its fleet without compromising engineer productivity or customer connectivity, while providing drivers with a mixture of home and depot charging capabilities.  

“The bottom line is that our engineers are the most important people in our business, so making sure we could find a solution to keep them on the road while delivering for our customers and our net zero commitments for 2031, was critical.” 

Judy O’Keefe, Fleet Director at Openreach 

The Solution

Openreach partnered with Allstar, initially for EV cards and public charging, but the relationship developed as Openreach's electric fleet has grown and its practical EV charging requirements evolved.

A collaborative approach to the relationship resulted in an increasingly integrated charging ecosystem spanning home, public charging, semi-private and depot charging, supported by bespoke technology, data, incentives and strategic industry partnerships. This has been achieved with several core initiatives.

Strategic network

Allstar reduced the number of CPOs in Openreach’s use, concentrating volume through fewer strategic partners offering stronger commercial value. Allstar Co-Pilot gives engineers visibility of approved charge points to use. Through a partnership with Be.EV that runs an incentive mechanism, engineers can earn rewards such as Greggs or coffee vouchers tied to charging activity at selected sites.

ChargeTrip

Openreach's laden vans meant standard route planning tools sometimes sent engineers to charging locations their vehicles couldn't access. Allstar partnered with Chargetrip, the EV routing platform that gives fleets control over how their vehicles travel and charge. Chargetrip optimises charging behaviour across the fleet by selecting the best stations for both cost and accessibility, with routes that account for each vehicle's actual weight and specification. This helps Openreach reduce charging costs, keep engineers on schedule, and remove range anxiety for drivers.

Homecharge incentive

Allstar Homecharge automatically and accurately pays drivers’ home charging costs directly to their energy supplier, which means drivers aren’t out of pocket for work related charging, and complicated expenses claims are eliminated. Openreach engineers completing more than 80% of their charging at home within a timeframe receive a voucher from their employer, redeemable across national retailers.

Commercial charging payment network

Allstar’s new integrated charging ecosystem for commercial vehicles from LCVs to HGVs, combines access to semi-private and depot charging infrastructure designed for larger vehicles. Since First Charge joined the network, Openreach has worked to give engineers access to depot charging infrastructure at strategic commercial rates, including secure locations, larger bays, high-speed charging and additional welfare facilities. Voltempo has also deployed its shared depot charging solution onto the charging network through its Depot Charging as a Service (D-CaaS) model providing the infrastructure and energy needed to support commercial fleet operations. Combined with Allstar’s fleet payment capabilities, it gives Openreach drivers access to bookable depot charging through a simple, connected solution.

“Choosing an EV is also a positive step towards reducing my environmental impact and supporting a more sustainable way of working.

“On top of that, receiving a home charger as part of the change makes charging convenient and means I can start each day with the van ready to go.”

Jamie, Openreach engineer

The Result

With Allstar’s support, Openreach is now able to continually improve where, how and why engineers charge while addressing the operational, commercial and human challenges of electrifying a major fleet. The partnership continues to evolve as the EV transition progresses, supporting engineers by amplifying the home charging and public network, backed by digital tools that continue to be refined. 

“Allstar was incredibly receptive to our needs when it came to electrification. They worked hard to understand the complex nature of what our team does and the diverse model of vehicles that we operate. The team have been proactive and collaborative, ensuring we are always bettering our EV capabilities and commercial strategy. It’s been a huge success.”  

Paul O'Brien, Senior Manager, Fleet, at Openreach

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. By delivering a straightforward payment solution across a growing EV charging ecosystem, we’re helping remove complexity for drivers and the wider fleet team. Built on close collaboration, this partnership is helping keep vehicles moving and improve the EV charging experience as their electrification journey continues.”

Tom Rowlands, Managing Director of Global EV Solutions, Corpay, including UK brand Allstar