New electric vehicle charging hubs in the Midlands

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【Summary】Be.EV plans to create thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the Midlands. The charge point operator is targeting dwell sites like retail parks, pubs, and car parks, as well as acquiring sites in major cities such as Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. The company aims to improve access to charging facilities and sustainable transportation options. With funding from Octopus Energy Generation, Be.EV aims to expand the community-centred public EV charging network in the Midlands.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 9:50 AM PT

New electric vehicle charging hubs in the Midlands

Be.EV has unveiled its plans to establish a significant number of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK. The company aims to install these charge points in various locations, including retail parks, pubs, car parks, and major cities in the Midlands such as Birmingham, Derby, and Nottingham. To support this initiative, Be.EV has secured £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, which will enable the company to accelerate the EV revolution in a sustainable manner and enhance communities by providing reliable charging infrastructure throughout the country.

To assist in sourcing new sites in the Midlands, Be.EV has appointed leading commercial property agent FHP. Doug Tweedie, the director and head of the Birmingham office at FHP, stated that they are exploring various easily accessible city center and community locations to improve access to charging facilities for local residents. The focus for the new EV charging sites will be on retail parks, pubs, and new forecourts, ranging from 0.2 acres and up, all powered by renewable energy supplied by Octopus Energy.

Tweedie emphasized the importance of the charging experience in driving mass EV adoption. He mentioned that the current lack of reliable and accessible charging locations hinders the progress of EV uptake. However, Be.EV, being well-funded and possessing the fastest-growing charging network in the UK, with an operational availability rate of 99.6%, aims to address this issue. Tweedie expressed his excitement about working with Be.EV to expand the community-centered public EV charging network in the Midlands, ultimately encouraging more people to transition to electric vehicles.

Be.EV is actively engaging with commercial landlords and private landowners who may not have previously considered their sites suitable for EV charging purposes. Tweedie explained that there are numerous vacant sites in the region, such as petrol stations, supermarkets, and drive-thru outlets, which could benefit from EV charging infrastructure and passing traffic. Be.EV takes on the responsibility of fully funding, managing, and providing power access to each development, relieving the landowners of any significant obligations.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, expressed his delight in collaborating with FHP to bring their charging infrastructure to cities across the Midlands. Ghafoor commended FHP for understanding the value of 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 EV transition while contributing to the reduction of air pollution. Ghafoor eagerly looks forward to commencing work with FHP on future projects.