Be.EV targets new electric vehicle charging hubs in the Midlands

Be.EV has announced plans to create thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK.

The charge point operator is looking for dwell sites, such as retail parks, pubs and car parks, as well as the acquisition of freehold and leasehold sites in the largest cities in the Midlands, including Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham.

Backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, Be.EV is on a mission to sustainably accelerate the UK’s EV revolution and improve communities by installing reliable chargers across the country.

Leading commercial property agent, FHP, has been appointed to source new sites in the Midlands.

FHP director and head of Birmingham office, Doug Tweedie, said that the firm is considering a variety of easy-to-reach city centre and community locations, which will improve access to charging facilities for local people.

New EV charging sites will primarily be focused around retail parks, pubs and new forecourts which will range from 0.2 acres and upwards and will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.

Tweedie said: “We know that mass EV uptake depends on the quality of the charging experience and at the moment, there simply aren’t enough reliable and accessible locations.

“Be.EV is well funded and has the UK’s fastest growing charging network, with an impressive operational availability rate of 99.6%.

“We’re thrilled to be working together to expand the community-centred public EV charging network in the Midlands and give more people the confidence to go electric.”

The company is in discussions with commercial landlords and private landowners, some of whom were not previously aware that their sites could be redeveloped for EV charging purposes, explained Tweedie.

“There are many vacant sites in the region that people haven’t got the finance to develop or perhaps aren’t sure what to do with, such as petrol stations, supermarkets or drive thru outlets, which benefit from passing traffic,” he added.

“Aside from granting a lease, there is very little onus on the landowner, as Be.EV will ensure that each development is fully funded, managed and has access to power.”

Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, said that he was delighted to work with FHP and bring its charging infrastructure to cities across the Midlands.

“FHP understands the value of providing reliable, high quality charging facilities in accessible, convenient locations and is now in the vanguard of the EV charging revolution,” he added.

“EV charging provides a great opportunity to increase footfall to sites and create new and sustained income streams for commercial landlords and landowners.

“With FHP, property owners from Birmingham to Nottingham can benefit from the UK’s EV transition whilst helping to reduce air pollution.

“We look forward to getting started and working together on future projects.”