Ecotricity

Ecotricity was started by Dale Vince in 1995 as Renewable Energy Company Limited,{{Cite web |title=Ecotricity Limited |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03043412 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=Companies House}} with a single wind turbine he had used to power an old army truck in which he lived on a hill near Stroud.{{Cite web |title=Business big shot: Dale Vince of Ecotricity |date=15 December 2008 |work=Times Online |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article5341886.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612142828/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article5341886.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 June 2011 |access-date=6 June 2009 | location=London | first=Robin | last=Pagnamenta}}

File:EcotricityHQ.jpg, one of its three bases in the town]]

Vince later went on to build commercial wind-monitoring equipment, which the company still makes today, using the name Nexgen.{{cite web|url=http://www.nexgenwind.com|title=World Class products form the Wind Industry|website=nexgenwind.com|access-date=29 August 2017}} Ecotricity started generation with a 40-metre turbine in 1996, which at the time was the largest in the country.{{Cite web|url=http://blip.tv/file/2621706/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619062337/http://blip.tv/file/2621706|url-status=dead|title=Video Interview with Dale on Carpool 2 October 2009|archive-date=19 June 2010|website=Blip}}

In 2007, Vince ran an advertisement on the back page of The Guardian newspaper inviting Richard Branson to his house to discuss solutions to climate change over a carbon-free breakfast. The ad ran the day after Branson appeared on TV with American former vice president Al Gore, who had managed to persuade Branson that climate change was an issue. The ad included Vince's personal mobile phone number.{{cite web|url=http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/ceo-uses-full-page-ad-give-mobile-number-branson/632317|title=CEO uses full-page ad to give mobile number to Branson|website=campaignlive.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}}

Ecotricity was a winner in the 2007 Ashden Awards for sustainable energy. The awards congratulated Ecotricity for its environmental contribution, saying: "The company's turbines are delivering 46 GW·h/yr of renewable electricity and avoiding around 46,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions a year. The installed capacity is expected to double by the end of 2007."{{cite web|url=http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/ecotricity|title=Ecotricity - Ashden Award Winner 2014 - Ashden|date=16 May 2017|website=ashdenawards.org|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927222510/http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/ecotricity|archive-date=27 September 2011|url-status=dead}}

In July 2009, Ecotricity started legal proceedings{{cite web|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2245493/ecotricity-threatens-legal|title=Exclusive: Ecotricity threatens legal action against EDF in green Union flag row|website=businessgreen.com|date=6 July 2009|access-date=29 August 2017}} against French power company EDF Energy for the alleged misuse of the green Union Flag logo, used to promote EDF's Team Green Britain campaign. Ecotricity had previously used a green Union flag in its own advertising and claimed confused customers had contacted it to ask why Ecotricity was co-operating with EDF.

In January 2012, it was announced that Ecotricity has invested in the development of Searaser pump-to-shore wave energy machines,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16676818 |title=Plans for sea energy device Searaser |work=BBC News |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=14 February 2012}} and in June said they were to be deployed in the autumn of that year.{{cite web |url=http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=197002&title=Wave+power+%27will+be+cheaper+than+onshore+wind%27%2C+says+Ecotricity+founder |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505111549/http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=197002&title=Wave+power+'will+be+cheaper+than+onshore+wind',+says+Ecotricity+founder |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=Wave power 'will be cheaper than onshore wind', says Ecotricity founder |work=Utility Week |access-date=13 December 2013 }} In October 2014, Ecotricity and marine consultants DNV GL were moving from laboratory trials to sea trials.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2377822/ecotricity-dips-its-toe-into-marine-energy-with-innovative-searaser-device|title=Ecotricity dips its toe into marine energy with innovative Searaser device|website=businessgreen.com|date=27 October 2014 |access-date=29 August 2017}}

In 2013, Ecotricity's electricity supply became 100% renewable, rather than a mix.{{cite magazine|magazine=The Ecologist|title=Where the gas is greener|url=https://theecologist.org/2019/jan/09/where-gas-greener|date=9 January 2019|author=Marianne Brown}}

In October 2014, it was announced that Ecotricity had partnered with Skanska to build and finance new turbines, which added a further 100 MW to its existing 70 MW capacity,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/14/ecotricity-skanska-windfarm-skylark-project|title=Ecotricity windfarm project hopes to power more than 50,000 homes a year|first=Terry|last=Macalister|date=13 October 2014|access-date=29 August 2017|newspaper=The Guardian}} The following month, the company decided not to attempt new planning applications in England because of the political climate, instead concentrating on Scotland.{{cite news |work=Recharge |last=Hopson |first=Christopher |title=Ecotricity to shun England for onshore wind over policy |url=https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/ecotricity-to-shun-england-for-onshore-wind-over-policy/1-1-863013 |url-access=subscription |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=1 March 2024}} It went on to spin its small turbine manufacturer out into a subsidiary called Britwind,{{cite web|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2381018/ecotricity-spins-out-britwind-in-bid-to-shake-up-small-turbine-market|title=Ecotricity spins out Britwind in bid to shake up small turbine market|website=businessgreen.com|date=13 November 2014|access-date=29 August 2017}} which, in collaboration with a local company, offered free electricity to crofters in return for installing a small turbine, keeping any excess power generated.{{cite web|url=http://orendaenergy.com/ecotricity-offers-free-electricity-through-small-wind-turbines/|title=Ecotricity offers free electricity through small wind turbines|website=orendaenergy.com|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829203313/http://orendaenergy.com/ecotricity-offers-free-electricity-through-small-wind-turbines/|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

In March 2015, Ecotricity announced it had refinanced its existing wind farms with the aim of using the extra capital to expand production to 100 megawatts by November 2016.{{cite web|last1=Tisheva|first1=Plamena|title=Ecotricity agrees GBP-70m wind-and-solar portfolio refinancing|url=http://renewables.seenews.com/news/ecotricity-agrees-gbp-70m-wind-and-solar-portfolio-refinancing-470449#|website=seenews.com|date=27 March 2015 |publisher=seenews|access-date=29 March 2015|ref=refinancing}}

In 2016, Ecotricity had approximately a 25% shareholding stake in competitor Good Energy, which has been sustained to 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.businessgreen.com/news/2475480/ecotricity-acquires-major-stake-in-rival-good-energy |title=Ecotricity acquires major stake in rival Good Energy |last=Timperley |first=Jocelyn |website=BusinessGreen |date=27 October 2016 |access-date=8 October 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://group.goodenergy.co.uk/aim-rule-26/shareholder-information/default.aspx |title=Securities in Issue |website=Good Energy |date=18 August 2020 |access-date=8 October 2020}}

In the 2017/2018 financial year the company had a turnover of £176 million, with a gross profit of £55 million and a loss on ordinary activities before tax of £4.9 million, but after charges and revaluation of investments had a "Total comprehensive (loss) for the year" of £9.5 million. It gave £416,000 to charity.{{cite news |url=https://www.punchline-gloucester.com/articles/aanews/stroud-gloucestershire-green-energy-business-ecotricity-50-million-increase-in-turnover-2018-dale-vi |title=Firm's accounts reveal £50 million increase in turnover |last=Merrell |first=Andrew |website=Punchline Gloucester.com |date=15 January 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019}}{{citation |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03521776/filing-history/MzIyMjk1MzU3N2FkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0|title=Audited accounts to April 2018|access-date=2 January 2019}}

In 2018, the UK government used a green union flag for a promotion, which lead Vince to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement due to the similarities to the logo of Ecotricity. The case was settled in 2020 and the government agreed to not use the flag again.{{Cite news |date=2020-01-17 |title=Ecotricity green flag legal row settled |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-51155494 |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

By 2019, the company had 200,000 customers. A corporate restructure in 2020 created Green Britain Group Limited;{{Cite web |title=Green Britain Group Limited |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12456925 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=Companies House}} the company's directors are Dale Vince and Kate Vince, and its subsidiaries include Ecotricity Limited and Forest Green Rovers Football Club Limited.{{Cite web |date=30 April 2021 |title=Green Britain Group Limited: Annual report and consolidated financial statements |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12456925/filing-history/MzMyOTY0MTE0NGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=Companies House}}

In January 2021 the company agreed to buy 3 Megawatt-hours yearly from United Downs Deep Geothermal Power, the UK's first geothermal plant.{{cite web |date=2021-01-04 |title=Sold! The UK's first geothermal electricity to the grid |url=https://cornishstuff.com/2021/01/04/sold-the-uks-first-geothermal-electricity-to-the-grid/ |work=Cornish Stuff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104111653/https://cornishstuff.com/2021/01/04/sold-the-uks-first-geothermal-electricity-to-the-grid/ |archive-date=2021-01-04}}{{Cite web|date=7 January 2021|title=Ecotricity seals 10-year agreement to take geothermal power from Cornish plant|url=https://www.energylivenews.com/2021/01/07/ecotricity-seals-10-year-agreement-to-take-geothermal-power-from-cornish-plant/|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Energy Live News|language=en-US}} In summer 2021, Ecotricity made a bid to take over Good Energy, where it already owned 27% of the shares, which was rejected.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/markets/article/ecotricity-boss-slams-good-energy-over-wind-farms-sell-off-tvvwc9hzt |title=Ecotricity boss slams Good Energy over wind farms sell-off |last1=Armitage |first1=Jim |last2=Watts |first2=Robert |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |url-access=subscription |date=28 November 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/ecotricity-boss-dale-vince-criticises-22319045 |title=Ecotricity boss Dale Vince criticises Good Energy over plans to sell renewable assets |last=Arthur |first=Andrew |website=BusinessLive |date=1 December 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021}}

In April 2022, Dale Vince stated an intention to sell the company. It was reported that the company planned to build a further 2,500 MW of renewable energy generation, which would require investment of some £2{{Nbsp}}billion.

In May 2023, Asif Rehmanwala was appointed as the CEO of Ecotricity and the Green Britain Group.

In December 2023, Ecotricity donated £1 million to the UK Labour Party.{{cite web | url=https://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Donations/C0575117 | title=View donation - the Electoral Commission }}

In October 2024, Ecotricity Group Limited took a controlling stake in regional airline Ecojet which was previously held by Dale Vince.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

Before August 2013, Ecotricity ran a mix of fuels. Ecotricity's proportion of renewable energy rose from 24.1% in 2007 to 51.1% in 2011 (compared with a national average of 7.9%), with plans for a further increase to 60% by 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/energy-independence/our-fuel-mix|title=Our Fuel Mix - Our Green Energy|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}}

In the past, a substantial proportion of the electricity (25.9% in 2007) sold by Ecotricity to customers came from nuclear sources. This proportion had decreased to 16% by 2010, and 2.6% by 2011. Ecotricity also provided a 100% renewable energy tariff called New Energy Plus, in which renewable energy was bought in from other suppliers to top up renewable energy produced by Ecotricity.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/for-your-home/our-tariffs|title=Our Tariffs - For Your Home|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}}

At Conisholme in Lincolnshire on 8 January 2009, two of the blades of one of the company's turbines were damaged.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/jan/09/wind-turbine-ufo|title=UFO puzzle: it was the Guardian wot done it|first=Esther|last=Addley|date=9 January 2009|newspaper=The Guardian}} In February 2013 the go-ahead was given for Ecotricity to build its largest windfarm, a 66 megawatt, 22 turbine farm at Heckington Fen in Lincolnshire.{{cite web|url=http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/environment/breaking-news-secretary-of-state-gives-the-go-ahead-for-22-turbine-wind-farm-at-heckington-fen-1-4770171 |title=Secretary of State gives the go-ahead for 22-turbine wind farm at Heckington Fen |work=Sleaford Standard |date=8 February 2013 |access-date=13 December 2013}} In February 2013, Ecotricity revealed a prototype 6 kW vertical axis wind turbine called the "urbine".{{cite web|author=Dale Vince |url=http://zerocarbonista.com/2012/12/04/monopoly-money/#more-3561 |title=Monopoly Money | Energy |work=Zerocarbonista |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=13 December 2013}} In October 2018, Ecotricity began operations at the Alveston wind farm in South Gloucestershire.{{Cite web |date=2018-10-19 |title=Ecotricity banks Alveston wind |url=https://renews.biz/48628/ecotricity-banks-alveston-wind/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=reNews}} In May 2022, a partnership with ABB was announced for the installation of a grid scale battery energy storage system at the wind farm.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-19 |title=ABB, Ecotricity Partner on 10 MW UK Battery Storage Project |url=https://www.tdworld.com/distributed-energy-resources/article/21242207/abb-ecotricity-partner-on-10-mw-uk-battery-storage-project |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=T&D World |language=en}}

Ecotricity also produces solar energy, with its first "sun park" opening in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/the-sun/sun-park-map|title=Sun Park Map - Our Green Energy - Ecotricity|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829203912/https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/our-green-electricity/the-sun/sun-park-map|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead}} In April 2016 it bought SunEdison's UK business supplying domestic solar panels.{{cite web|last1=Murray|first1=James|title=Ecotricity snaps up SunEdison's UK solar business|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2455673/ecotricity-snaps-up-sunedisons-uk-solar-business|website=Business Green|date=21 April 2016|access-date=22 April 2016}} In 2025, Ecotricity was granted planning permission for a solar park at Heckington Fen, Lincolnshire, which will provide 600MW of solar energy and 400MW of battery storage.{{Cite web |last=Williment |first=Chloe |date=2025-01-28 |title=How Ecotricity Will Power 200k Homes with Renewable Energy |url=https://energydigital.com/articles/a-5th-solar-park-project-sparks-controversy-in-lincolnshire |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=energydigital.com |language=en}}

In May 2010, Ecotricity became the first UK company to supply eco-friendly gas, produced in the Netherlands by anaerobic digestion of sugar beet waste.{{cite web |last=Murray |first=James S |url=https://www.businessgreen.com/news/1800791/exclusive-ecotricity-delivers-uks-green-gas |title=Exclusive: Ecotricity delivers UK's first 'green gas{{'-}}|date=2010-06-01 |work=BusinessGreen |access-date=2024-10-09 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605032028/http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2263959/exclusive-ecotricity-delivers |archive-date=2010-06-05}} In 2015, the company was planning to have its own digesters fed by locally sourced grass from marginal land of grade 3 or poorer by 2017. The first of these would have produced 78.8GWh a year from 75,000t of grass and forage rye silage.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/20/ecotricity-offers-anaerobic-digestion-of-grass-as-answer-to-fracking|title=Grass-to-gas plant could be UK's answer to fracking, says Ecotricity|first=Karl|last=Mathiesen|date=20 April 2015|access-date=29 August 2017|work=The Guardian}}{{cite web|last1=Spackman|first1=Paul|title=Farm sites wanted for gas to grid project|url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/business/farm-sites-wanted-for-gas-to-grid+project.htm|work=Farmers Weekly|access-date=21 May 2015|ref=Gas2Grid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722031128/http://www.fwi.co.uk/business/farm-sites-wanted-for-gas-to-grid+project.htm|archive-date=22 July 2015|url-status=dead}}

In August 2015, Ecotricity announced plans to build an anaerobic digester at Sparsholt College in Hampshire that would take grasscuttings from local farms and supply the resulting six megawatts{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=James |url=https://www.businessgreen.com/news/2422859/ecotricity-and-sparsholt-college-announce-plans-to-build-green-gas-mill |title=Ecotricity and Sparsholt College announce plans to build Green Gas Mill |website=BusinessGreen |date=2015-08-21 |access-date=2024-10-09 |url-access=subscription}} of gas to the grid{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2015/uk-college-to-train-renewables-workforce-as-green-gas-plans-revealed|title=UK college to train renewables workforce as Green Gas plans revealed|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}} with the overall aim of training students in the technology. This joined the first announced in Gloucestershire in April and was followed by a third three megawatt{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=James |url=https://www.businessgreen.com/news/2423504/ecotricity-announces-plans-for-third-green-gas-mill |title=Ecotricity announces plans for third Green Gas Mill |website=BusinessGreen |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2024-10-09 |url-access=subscription}} plant announced in August in Somerset.{{cite web|url=http://www.eaem.co.uk/news/ecotricitys-revolution-continues-third-gas-grass-mill|title=Ecotricity's 'revolution' continues with third gas from grass mill|website=eaem.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829203942/http://www.eaem.co.uk/news/ecotricitys-revolution-continues-third-gas-grass-mill|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

On 25 April 2016, planning permission for the site at Sparsholt College was refused.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/14450852.Villagers_celebrate_after_controversial_energy_plant_plans_thrown_out/|title=Villagers celebrate after controversial energy plant plans thrown out|website=Daily Echo|date=26 April 2016 |access-date=29 August 2017}} In July 2016, a new application was made to build the facility at the college site, which was approved in October 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2016/ecotricity-s-green-gasmill-at-sparsholt-college-gets-go-ahead|title=Ecotricity's Green Gasmill at Sparsholt College gets go-ahead |website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=13 December 2016}} The new proposal included "[...] new and revised traffic data and assessment, new traffic plans to keep vehicle movements away from Sparsholt village and a commitment to protect local road infrastructure.". Also, "[Ecotricity] consulted representatives of the nearby parish councils and incorporated their requests, wherever possible into the routing plans and operational controls."{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

By the start of 2019, the company had not built any biogas plants but still intended to do so.

Ecotricity offers the Feed-in Tariff as a voluntary licensee{{cite web|title=FIT licensee contact details|url=https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/fit/contacts-guidance-and-resources/fit-licensee-contact-details|publisher=Ofgem|date=1 April 2018 }} under the name "Microtricity", offering payments to people who generate and export electricity from low-carbon sources such as solar panels.

{{As of|2024|October}}, Ecotricity does not offer a Smart Export Guarantee tariff to small low-carbon generators such as domestic solar panel systems.{{Cite web |title=Solar power export |url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/your-green-energy/solar-power-export |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=Ecotricity |language=en}}

Ecotricity is the sponsor of the Ecotricity Greenbird, a land yacht that set a new world land speed record for wind-powered vehicles on 26 March 2009 on the dry Lake Ivanpah.

File:Greenpark wind turbine arp.jpg, Reading, England]]

Ecotricity has built an electric sports car called Nemesis that was built as a demonstration of what electric cars are capable of: an endurance trip from Land's End to John o' Groats is planned recharging only from electricity produced by wind power.{{cite web|url=http://zerocarbonista.com/category/wind-car-transport/ |title=Wind Car |publisher=Zerocarbonista |access-date=14 February 2012}} In September 2012 the car broke the UK electric land speed record reaching an average speed of {{convert|151|mph|km/h}}.{{cite news|author=Adam Vaughan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/27/nemesis-electric-car-land-speed-record |title='Nemesis' breaks electric car land speed record |work=The Guardian |date= 27 September 2012|access-date=13 December 2013 |location=London}}

In July 2011, Ecotricity launched a free electric vehicle charging network, sited around the country at 14 of the Welcome Break Motorway service areas, linking London in the south with Exeter in the west and Edinburgh in the north.{{cite web|last=Johnston |first=Keith |url=http://connevted.blogspot.com/2011/07/uks-first-electric-highway-announced.html |title=connEVted: UK's 'first electric highway' announced |publisher=Connevted.blogspot.com |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=14 February 2012}} The charging points were initially equipped with both a UK-standard 13-amp domestic socket and an IEC 62196 32-amp 3-phase socket. There were plans for charging points at RoadChef sites also.

In October 2012, the company started to add 50 kW CHAdeMO fast charging stations, allowing compatible cars to recharge within 30 minutes.{{cite web |url=http://www.eaem.co.uk/news/nissan-and-ecotricity-launch-fast-free-ev-charging-central-england |title=Nissan and Ecotricity launch fast, free EV charging in central England |publisher=EAEM |date=1 October 2012 |access-date=13 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720041324/http://www.eaem.co.uk/news/nissan-and-ecotricity-launch-fast-free-ev-charging-central-england |archive-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead }} In April 2014, it was announced that support for Combined Charging System connectors would be added,{{cite web|url=http://fleetworld.co.uk/news/2014/Apr/Electric-Highway-to-get-first-Combo-chargers-in-May/0434013786|title=News of M6 toll sparks renewed calls for state ownership|date=15 February 2016|website=fleetworld.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}} and by September Ecotricity had over 120 chargers, branded as the Electric Highway. In May 2014, Ecotricity brought an interim High Court injunction against electric car manufacturer Tesla over its vehicle charging network;{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/tesla-in-row-over-raid-on-ecotricity-charging-posts-9417527.html|title=Tesla in row over 'raid' on Ecotricity charging posts|website=standard.co.uk|date=22 May 2014|access-date=29 August 2017}}{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/misdirected-email-sparks-electric-car-war-between-tesla-and-ecotricity-9533260.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Chris | last=Green | title=Misdirected email sparks electric car war between Tesla and Ecotricity | date=12 June 2014}} this was resolved in an out of court settlement.{{cite web|last1=Bennett|first1=Peter|title=Tesla and Ecotricity reach out of court settlement over Electric Highways dispute|url=http://www.nextenergynews.co.uk/news/transport/tesla-and-ecotricity-reach-out-of-court-settlement-over-electric-highways-d|website=next energy news|access-date=18 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618160441/http://www.nextenergynews.co.uk/news/transport/tesla-and-ecotricity-reach-out-of-court-settlement-over-electric-highways-d|archive-date=18 June 2015|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, the Ecotricity vehicle charging network had sporadic software issues after the addition of a new connector which left some chargers not working or not connecting to specific cars.{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/motoring-news/are-ecars-the-future-of-motoring-find-out-on-a-long-but-not-long-enough-drive-up-the-electric-highway-9955940.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Jamie | last=Merrill | title=Are e-cars the future of motoring? Find out on a long, but not long enough, drive up the Electric Highway | date=4 January 2015}}

In December 2014, the network covered 90% of the UK's motorway service stations, with sites also at Land's End and John o' Groats.{{cite news |last=Blackhurst |first=Chris |url=http://www.londonlive.co.uk/programmes/the-headline-interview/581df3e9#play |format=Video |title=The Headline Interview |work=London Live |location=London |date=16 December 2014 |access-date=18 December 2014 }} By December 2015, it had 6,500 members using it once a week or more, and the network, which had hitherto been free to use, began to require payment.{{cite web|url=http://evfleetworld.co.uk/electric-highway-tariffs-will-still-undercut-petrol-or-diesel-says-ecotricity/|title=Electric Highway tariffs will still undercut petrol or diesel, says Ecotricity|website=EV Fleet World|date=10 December 2015|access-date=29 August 2017}}{{cite web |date=6 March 2016 |title=#46: Dale Vince meets Sustainababble |url=http://sustainababble.fish/?p=326 |website=Sustainababble}} From 11 July 2016, a 20-minute fast-charge cost £5, later changed to £6 for 30 minutes,{{cite web|url=http://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/motorway-electric-car-charging-now-expensive-petrol|title=Ecotricity hits EV drivers with £5 fee for 20 minute charge|website=motoringresearch.com|date=11 July 2016 |access-date=29 August 2017}} but charges remained free for customers of Ecotricity. Following feedback from users, a balance between the needs of EV drivers and PHEV drivers led to a £3 connection fee, waived for Ecotricity customers, and 17p per KWh.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/for-the-road|title=For The Road - Ecotricity|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=5 October 2017}}

In 2018, the Ecotricity EV tariff on its motorway network was 30p/KWh for non-Ecotricity customers and half this for customers. Access was via a mobile phone app.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/for-the-road/electric-highway-app|title=Electric Highway App|website=Ecotricity|access-date=5 June 2019}} To help with using this, some of the charging points were fitted with short-range, restricted, WiFi to enable connection in poor mobile signal areas. By the start of 2019, Ecotricity had over 300 charging points.

In early 2021, Ecotricity and GRIDSERVE announced a partnership which would see the network expanded and contactless payment facilities added. Funding for the programme came from Hitachi Capital (UK), also a shareholder in GRIDSERVE.{{Cite web|date=12 March 2021|title=Ecotricity and GRIDSERVE announce new partnership to power up the Electric Highway|url=https://www.gridserve.com/2021/03/12/ecotricity-and-gridserve-announce-new-partnership-to-power-up-the-electric-highway/|access-date=12 March 2021|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Ecotricity and GRIDSERVE announce new partnership to power up the Electric Highway|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-news/2021/ecotricity-and-gridserve-to-power-the-electric-highway|access-date=12 March 2021|website=www.ecotricity.co.uk|language=en}} In mid-2021, it was announced that GRIDSERVE had purchased the remaining stake from Ecotricity, taking full ownership of the charging network.{{cite news |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/electric-cars/gridserve-acquires-ecotricity-electric-highway-ev-charging-network |title=Gridserve acquires Ecotricity Electric Highway EV charging network |last=Warrick |first=Jack |website=Autocar |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=2 February 2025}}

Around 2014, Ecotricity investigated supplying 100 houses with an internet-connected grid energy storage system that will take the homes off the grid at peak times.{{cite web |last=fullychargedshow |date=22 May 2014 |title=Dale VInce Ecotricity - Fully Charged |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUDddloHrYM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/CUDddloHrYM |archive-date=19 December 2021 |access-date=29 August 2017 |format=video |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/14/hes-electric-will-a-revolutionary-black-box-turn-dale-vince-into-europes-elon-musk/ |title=He's Electric — Will A Revolutionary Black Box Turn Dale Vince Into Europe's Elon Musk? |first=Mike |last=Butcher |website=TechCrunch |date=14 September 2013 |access-date=2024-10-09}}

Ecotricity launched a mobile virtual network called Ecotalk in 2018;{{cite web |date=26 June 2018 |title=Ecotricity launching new mobile phone network |url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2018/new-mobile-service-fights-wildlife-armageddon |access-date=26 January 2020 |website=Ecotricity |language=en}} plans had been discussed by Vince in 2013.{{cite web |title=He's Electric — Will A Revolutionary Black Box Turn Dale Vince Into Europe's Elon Musk? |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/14/hes-electric-will-a-revolutionary-black-box-turn-dale-vince-into-europes-elon-musk/ |website=TechCrunch |date=14 September 2013 |access-date=26 January 2020}} Money from customer's bills would be used to buy land for nature conservation, in part through a partnership with the RSPB.{{Cite web |title=Our Story |url=https://www.ecotalk.co.uk/our-story/ |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=Ecotalk |language=en}}

In May 2014, Ecotricity rescued Evance, a manufacturer of small (5 kW) wind turbines, from administration,{{cite news|url=http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2344702/ecotricity-rescues-wind-turbine-company-evance-from-administration|title=Ecotricity rescues wind turbine company Evance from administration|date=14 May 2014|work=Business Green|url-access=subscription }} saving the company's 29 jobs.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/114599-frp-engineers-rescue-deal-evance-wind-turbines|title=FRP engineers rescue deal for Evance Wind Turbines|website=Insider Media Ltd|date=14 May 2014 |access-date=29 August 2017}} Branded "Brit Wind", in January 2017 they announced £1{{Nbsp}}million of sales to Japan as well as sales to France, Norway, Denmark, the US and Belgium.{{Cite web|url=http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/sectors/energy/windmill-maker-britwind-sells--1m-of-turbines-to-japan-18012017084228/|title=Windmill maker Britwind sells £1m of turbines to Japan {{!}} Blog|website=southwestbusiness.co.uk|access-date=20 March 2017}}

The company has donated to several political parties that support subsidies for renewable energy. In November 2013 it donated £20,000 to the Green Party.{{cite web | url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/Search/Donations?currentPage=1&rows=10&query=ecotricity&sort=AcceptedDate&order=desc | title=Welcome to our registers search site | publisher=Electoral Commission | access-date=5 September 2015 }} In February 2015, Ecotricity announced that it would be donating £250,000 to the electoral fighting fund of the Labour Party.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2015/ecotricity-backs-green-labour|title=Ecotricity backs 'Green Labour' - News - Ecotricity|website=ecotricity.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017}} This decision alienated some of its customers, in particular supporters of the Green Party, as they felt some Labour policies were at odds with Ecotricity's avowed green ethical stance.{{cite web|url=http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/125606-ecotricity-faces-social-media-backlash-after-250k-labour-party-donation.html|title=Ecotricity faces social media backlash after £250k Labour Party donation|author=ClickGreen staff|date=10 February 2015|website=reskin-cg.class-media.co.uk|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211110237/http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/125606-ecotricity-faces-social-media-backlash-after-250k-labour-party-donation.html|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=dead}}

Ecotricity had already donated £120,000 to Labour in November 2014, including £20,000 to the local group in Stroud which was trying (unsuccessfully) to unseat Neil Carmichael, an opponent of wind farms in Gloucestershire. In the six months before the 2015 general election Ecotricity donated a total of £380,000 to Labour. The day after the election of 7 May 2015 the company donated £50,000 to the Liberal Democrats, including £20,000 to the group in the Kingston upon Thames constituency which had been lost by Ed Davey, the pro-renewables Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

Ecotricity donated £20,000 to Keir Starmer's 2020 Labour Party leadership election campaign.{{cite web |title=Register of Members' Financial Interests |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/200414/Updates%20-%2031%20March%20-%2014%20April%202020.pdf |website=UK Parliament |access-date=17 April 2020 |date=April 2020}}

At the end of 2017, Ecotricity was granted planning permission to build one of the UK's first grid-scale battery storage projects on its Alveston site in South Gloucestershire. The 10 megawatt project was intended to share the grid connection with the three new wind turbines there,{{Cite web|url=http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/ecotricity-blasts-government-policy-on-onshore-wind/1319402#.WjIVylVl-Ul|title=Utility Week – Ecotricity blasts government policy on onshore wind|website=utilityweek.co.uk|date=8 December 2017|access-date=14 December 2017}} providing the company with peak-shaving capacity.

In May 2018{{Cite web|url=https://www.next-kraftwerke.com/news/ecotricity-selects-next-kraftwerkes-nemocs-to-build-virtual-power-plant|title=Ecotricity selects Next Kraftwerke's NEMOCS to build Virtual Power Plant|website=www.next-kraftwerke.com|access-date=2 April 2020}} it was announced that Ecotricity would start building a virtual power plant to more efficiently use and manage electricity usage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/business-energy/virtual-power-plant|title=Virtual Power Plant - Ecotricity|website=www.ecotricity.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2 April 2020}}

In October 2020, Vince announced the company would make lab grown diamonds using carbon dioxide captured from the air, water and power from their own green supply.{{Cite web|date=30 October 2020|title=Ecotricity founder to grow diamonds 'made entirely from the sky'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/30/ecotricity-founder-to-grow-diamonds-made-entirely-from-the-sky|access-date=23 November 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}

In July 2023, Dale Vince announced the launch of Ecojet, a zero-emissions airline based in Edinburgh.{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Alex |date=2023-07-16 |title=Green energy tycoon to launch UK's first electric airline |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/17/green-energy-tycoon-to-launch-uk-first-electric-airline |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

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