Mark Dickens, the Managing Director at Mobilize Power Solutions, has a career trajectory intertwined with the evolution of the automotive industry, “my career has seen me go from an apprentice engineer right the way through to board level directorship,” he states. Today, he stands at the forefront of correcting those past actions, leading the charge towards a greener future with electric vehicles (EVs).
Dickens’ tenure at the Renault Group has been marked by versatility, having held roles in technical, after-sales, regional operations, and as the fleet and Remarketing Director with Renault UK. In 2021, he took the helm at Mobilize Power Solutions, a pivotal moment coinciding with the brand’s inception under the leadership of Luca De Mayo.
The company, now a key player in the EV charging infrastructure market, was born out of a necessity recognised over a decade ago when the Renault-Nissan alliance pioneered electric vehicles.
The decision to expand this business to the UK was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, despite its challenges, expedited critical decision-making processes. Dickens was tasked with establishing the company and quickly legitimising its presence in the UK market.
His engineering background proved a cornerstone in his approach to problem-solving and leadership. “My engineering experiences equipped me to problem solve,” he says, emphasising the importance of finding swift solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ascending to the board of directors was an eye-opening experience for Dickens, who had to quickly adapt to the responsibilities and obligations that come with such a position. Starting a new company within the Renault Group presented its own set of challenges, demanding meticulous planning and execution to ensure success.
Leading the Future of E-Mobility
Though less known among the Renault Group’s array of brands, Mobilize plays a crucial role in the transition to sustainable transportation. Dickens is acutely aware of the significance of their work in shaping the future of electric mobility.
“Mobilize itself is responsible for e-mobility, energy and power, and data,” Mark explains, outlining the company’s multifaceted approach to supporting the EV ecosystem. The focus is not just on meeting today’s standards but on anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s vehicles, whilst ensuring that the infrastructure put in place today remains relevant and compliant in the years to come.
The company’s mission is to provide solutions that are future-proof and user-centric. “Anyone can install an electric vehicle charger, but what you don’t want in three or four years’ time is to be told you have to pay another thousand pounds for another charger just because you picked up a new car,” says Dickens.
Mobilize offers a comprehensive suite of services, including charging infrastructure, battery storage, off-grid solar solutions, and associated software for fleet and business management. This holistic approach ensures that homes and businesses are equipped with robust and reliable systems that cater to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
The company’s latest innovation, ‘fleet at home’, allows fleet managers to oversee home chargers installed at employees’ residences, ensuring that the cost of electricity is borne by the business rather than the individual. As the market matures and more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) enter the EV space, the need for diverse and robust charging solutions becomes ever more apparent.
Navigating the Power Puzzle
The journey towards electrification is fraught with complexities, and for Mobilize, the challenge is as much about infrastructure as it is about innovation. Dickens is candid about the hurdles they face in the UK’s evolving energy landscape.
“The biggest challenge in the UK at the moment is getting the right amount of power to a particular site,” the Managing Director states. With seven district network operators across the UK, the process of securing power is inconsistent and often slow, leaving businesses in a lurch when it comes to planning and development.
Mark reflects on the company’s evolution, noting that what began as a service providing EV chargers has now expanded into a more holistic approach. “The majority of the business work that we’re involved in is alongside installation of solar,” he says, highlighting a shift towards integrating solar power with battery storage and EV charging as a unified solution.
The cost of upgrading power can be prohibitively expensive, with quotes reaching up to £1.3 million, a sum beyond the reach of many businesses. This has prompted Mobilize to seek alternative strategies. Fortunately, being part of a larger financial ecosystem allows them to offer creative financing solutions. “We’re with a bank and are able to offer people finance alternatives, or power purchasing agreements if solar is involved,” Dickens explains.
The Road Ahead
Dickens is realistic about the industry’s pace, acknowledging that approvals, power supply, planning permissions, and even landlord consents can be significant roadblocks. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future, where he envisions a fully electrified 2030, with OEMs scaling up their EV fleets and requiring comprehensive charging solutions.
Reflecting on the current state of the market, Mark notes the impact of media narratives on consumer behaviour, particularly the misconceptions surrounding EV safety and charging infrastructure. He counters the negative press with his own positive experiences, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of EVs and the advancements in charging technology that allow for quick and convenient power-ups.
Looking forward, Dickens discusses the impending arrival of the new Renault 5 and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology. He foresees significant benefits for both individual consumers and businesses, as the ability to manage power distribution between vehicles and the grid could revolutionise energy consumption patterns.
However, Mark also touches on a less-discussed challenge: people. Building a reliable team from scratch, especially in a nascent industry, requires trust and a strong recruitment strategy. “You’re only as good as your team,” he remarks.
The Managing Director sees a rapidly evolving industry that requires continuous learning and adaptation. With new technologies on the horizon and the need to integrate vehicles, chargers, and the grid into a cohesive system, Mobilize Power Solutions is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of e-mobility. The path may be complex, but the direction is unmistakable—towards a more sustainable and electrified future with Mobilize and Mark Dickens at the vanguard.
