Electric vehicle charging hubs in the 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 such as retail parks, pubs, and car parks, as well as freehold and leasehold sites in major cities in the Midlands like Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. This initiative is backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, with the aim of accelerating the UK's EV revolution and improving communities by installing reliable chargers nationwide.

Leading commercial property agent, FHP, 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 accessible city center and community locations to enhance charging facility access for local residents. The new EV charging sites will primarily focus on retail parks, pubs, and new forecourts, ranging from 0.2 acres and above, and will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.

Tweedie emphasized the importance of the charging experience in driving mass EV uptake, noting that there is currently a lack of reliable and accessible locations. He expressed enthusiasm for working with Be.EV to expand the community-centered public EV charging network in the Midlands, ultimately giving more people the confidence to switch to electric vehicles.

Be.EV is engaging 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, or drive-thru outlets, which can benefit from passing traffic. Be.EV will ensure that each development is fully funded, managed, and has access to power, relieving landowners of significant responsibilities.

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

Overall, the partnership between Be.EV and FHP aims to expand the EV charging network in the Midlands, providing accessible and reliable charging facilities to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable future.

FutureCar Staff