Be.EV expands electric vehicle charging network in the Midlands

author: FutureCar Staff    

Be.EV, a charge point operator, has unveiled plans to establish numerous electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK. The company aims to install these charge points in dwell sites such as retail parks, pubs, and car parks, as well as acquire freehold and leasehold sites in major cities in the Midlands like Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. To support this initiative, Be.EV has secured £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, with the goal of promoting the EV revolution in a sustainable manner and enhancing communities by providing reliable chargers nationwide.

FHP, a leading commercial property agent, has been appointed to identify new sites in the Midlands. Doug Tweedie, the director and head of Birmingham office at FHP, stated that the firm is considering various easily accessible city center and community locations to improve local people's access to charging facilities. The new EV charging sites will primarily be focused on retail parks, pubs, and new forecourts, ranging from 0.2 acres and up, and will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.

Tweedie emphasized the significance of the charging experience in driving mass EV adoption, highlighting the need for more reliable and accessible charging locations. He expressed excitement about working with Be.EV, a well-funded company with the UK's fastest-growing charging network and an impressive operational availability rate of 99.6%. Together, they aim to expand the community-centered public EV charging network in the Midlands and instill confidence in more people to switch to electric vehicles.

Be.EV is currently engaging in discussions with commercial landlords and private landowners, some of whom were unaware that their sites could be repurposed for EV charging. Tweedie explained that there are many vacant sites in the region, such as petrol stations, supermarkets, and drive-thru outlets, which can benefit from passing traffic but lack the necessary financing for development. Be.EV plans to fully fund, manage, and provide power access to each development, relieving the landowners of significant responsibilities.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, expressed delight in collaborating with FHP to bring their charging infrastructure to cities across the Midlands. Ghafoor commended FHP for understanding the value of offering reliable and high-quality charging facilities in accessible and convenient locations, positioning them at the forefront of the EV charging revolution. He also highlighted the opportunity for property owners in Birmingham, Nottingham, and other cities to benefit from the UK's EV transition while contributing to the reduction of air pollution. Ghafoor looks forward to commencing the partnership with FHP and working together on future projects.

FutureCar Staff