Bonnet

Bonnet is a platform focused on simplifying the electric vehicle (EV) charging experience by aggregating charging networks into a single mobile application. The company was founded in 2019 by Patrick Reich and Eliot Makabu, who conceived the idea while studying electrical engineering at Imperial College London. Their shared experience and research into the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) space exposed them to the frustrations EV drivers faced, particularly the need for multiple apps and payment methods for different charging networks. This led to the official launch of Bonnet in early 2021.

The core of Bonnet's business is its mobile app, which allows EV drivers to locate, use, and pay for charging across hundreds of partner networks in the UK and Europe without needing multiple accounts or RFID cards. The platform provides real-time data on charger availability and status, aiming to alleviate "charge anxiety"—the fear of arriving at an out-of-service or occupied charging point. The app includes filters for location, connector type, and charging speed to help users find suitable chargers. In November 2023, Bonnet was acquired by energy company OVO for an undisclosed sum, with founders Reich and Makabu, along with their team, joining OVO to continue the service's expansion.

Bonnet's revenue model is centered on its subscription service, "Bonnet Boosts." This model offers members discounts of 10-15% on the per-kWh cost of charging for a monthly fee. This structure provides a more predictable cost for frequent users and creates a recurring revenue stream for the company. The business serves individual EV drivers and has noted plans to introduce features for fleet managers. By consolidating a fragmented market of charge point operators, Bonnet provides value to both consumers, through convenience and potential savings, and to charging networks by increasing the utilization of their infrastructure.

Keywords: electric vehicle charging, EV charging app, charge point aggregator, e-mobility, EV roaming, clean-tech, sustainable transport, electric car infrastructure, Patrick Reich, Eliot Makabu, OVO Energy, charge anxiety, EV subscription service, charging network, public charging, fleet charging solutions, real-time charger data, European EV charging, UK EV market