Electric vehicle charging hubs expand in Midlands

author: FutureCar Staff    

Be.EV, a charge point operator, has announced plans to create thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK. The company is seeking dwell sites, including retail parks, pubs, and car parks, as well as freehold and leasehold sites in major cities in the Midlands such as Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham.

The initiative is backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation and aims to accelerate the UK's EV revolution in a sustainable manner while enhancing communities by installing reliable chargers nationwide.

FHP, a leading commercial property agent, has been appointed to source new sites in the Midlands. Doug Tweedie, FHP director and head of the Birmingham office, stated that the firm is considering various easily accessible city center and community locations to improve charging facilities' accessibility for local residents.

The new EV charging sites will primarily focus on retail parks, pubs, and new forecourts, ranging from 0.2 acres and upwards. These sites will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.

Tweedie emphasized the importance of the charging experience for mass EV adoption, stating that there is currently a lack of reliable and accessible locations. He expressed enthusiasm about working with Be.EV to expand the community-centered public EV charging network in the Midlands and provide more people with the confidence to embrace electric vehicles.

Be.EV is in discussions with commercial landlords and private landowners, some of whom were previously unaware that their sites could be redeveloped for EV charging purposes. 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 and be transformed into charging facilities.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, expressed delight in collaborating with FHP to bring charging infrastructure to cities across the Midlands. He highlighted the value of providing reliable, high-quality charging facilities in accessible and convenient locations, emphasizing the opportunity for property owners to increase footfall and generate new income streams while contributing to reducing air pollution.

The partnership between Be.EV and FHP is poised to make a significant impact on the EV charging revolution in the UK, benefiting both communities and commercial stakeholders alike.

FutureCar Staff