Manchester-based electric vehicle charging network, Be.EV, will inaugurate a 15-bay ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at a popular sports chain store in Stockport this Sunday, September 8. This new hub, positioned just minutes from the M60, is set to be the largest ultra-rapid charging facility in Stockport, offering considerable benefits to local residents, shoppers, and commuters.
Be.EV, supported by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, a leading renewable energy investor in Europe, is expanding its network with this latest installation. The ultra-rapid chargers can deliver up to 165 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes, a significant improvement over the several hours required by 7kW fast chargers. This efficiency aligns with the average customer dwell time of around 30 minutes at the sports store, which sees weekly footfall of up to 20,000 visitors. The proximity to the M60, with an adjacent road handling over 87,000 vehicles daily, makes this hub strategically important.
Stockport, with nearly 2,700 registered electric vehicles, will substantially benefit from this development. Be.EV predominantly operates in the North West, focusing on empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices. Be.EV’s CEO and founder, Asif Ghafoor, emphasised the significance of this venture, stating, “Charging hubs like these are required nationwide if the country is to successfully transition to cleaner transport.” He further noted that other retailers should observe this shift, suggesting that electric vehicle drivers will increasingly prefer destinations where they can charge their vehicles conveniently while shopping.
Additionally, the launch event will feature insights on Vehicle to Load technology, demonstrating how electric vehicles can power household appliances and support outdoor activities such as camping.
Liam Fillingham, Real Estate Leader at the sports chain, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability and the transformative potential of this site, commenting, “The Stockport site is a great example of this in action.”
This new ultra-rapid charging hub represents a significant step towards enhancing the convenience and accessibility of electric vehicle charging in Stockport. By supporting sustainable energy solutions and providing rapid charging options, it aligns with broader efforts to foster environmentally-friendly practices.