Zaptec partners with Kraken to turn charging stations into tools for energy flexibility

Zaptec, the Norwegian manufacturer that has become one of Europe’s leading providers of AC charging stations for electric vehicles with over 700,000 units installed across the continent, is taking another step forward in its strategy for a connected ecosystem. The company announces a strategic partnership with Kraken, the operating system designed for energy providers, to transform its charging stations into true energy management tools capable of adapting in real time to electricity prices and availability on the grid.

Deployment across ten European markets

Announced on September 7, 2026, in Paris, this agreement is set to be rolled out gradually across the ten markets where both companies are already present: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, as well as Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Other countries may join the initiative as the partnership expands.

In practice, owners of Zaptec charging stations will be able to access smart charging features powered by Kraken’s technology, as well as dynamic pricing options that allow them to schedule their charging sessions during times when electricity is cheapest. This partnership also opens the door to an expanding range of connected services offered by energy providers that already use the Kraken platform, such as EDF Energy, E.ON Next, and Octopus Energy.

The charging station as a scalable investment

"The role of charging stations is evolving. Customers are no longer just choosing a device—they are investing in a technology that will continue to provide value to them throughout its lifespan," summarizes Kurt Østrem, CEO of Zaptec, who sees this agreement as a new milestone following the company’s acquisition of the Mercury Mark certification. Issued by the Mercury Consortium, a neutral nonprofit organization, this certification made Zaptec the first AC charging station manufacturer to receive it.

EVs as a flexibility asset for the grid

For Kraken, the stakes go beyond simply improving drivers’ comfort. The company’s Chief Flexibility & Marketing Officer, Devrim Celal, sees this as a catalyst for the entire electric vehicle ecosystem: “With the growth of electric vehicles, charging will play an increasingly important role in energy management, both at home and on the grid.” He believes intelligent coordination of connected devices should enable charging when electricity is “cheaper, cleaner, and more abundant,” thereby reducing drivers’ bills while easing pressure on an already strained power grid.

Kraken, whose platform currently powers over 90 million customer accounts for major energy providers worldwide, aims to extend its expertise in AI and automation to the residential and commercial charging sector—a market set to play an increasingly important role in maintaining grid stability as the number of electric vehicles grows in Europe.

This partnership reflects a broader trend in the industry: charging is no longer just about delivering electricity; it has become an active point of connection between drivers, energy suppliers, and grid operators—a further building block in creating a more flexible and low-carbon energy system.