New EV chargers installed by Sainsbury’s, Osprey Charging, Kerbo Charge, The EV Network, Zest and Zapgo

Sainsbury’s opens another ultra-rapid EV charging hub

Sainsbury’s has opened an ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at its Nine Elms Superstore.

MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Florence Eshalomi, joined Sainsbury’s employees at the store to mark the hub’s launch.

The new hub consists of eight ultra-rapid 150kW Smart Charge bays, with Sainsbury’s now offering charging at 54 locations via 445 ultra-rapid charge points.

Part of Sainsbury’s Smart Charge brand, the new charging hub has been designed to be easily accessible for disabled customers and those with young children, thanks to the additional space provided around and between bays.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures, said: “We know that demand for speedy, reliable and sustainable EV charging facilities in the UK continues to grow – that’s why Sainsbury’s is rolling out Smart Charge, our new best-in-class ultra-rapid charging service, at supermarkets up and down the country.”

Welsh council introduces EV charging for residents without off-street parking

Blaenau Gwent Council has launched a first-of-its-kind trial in Wales of a through-pavement EV charging channel trial to make home charging possible for residents with on-street parking.

The ‘Kerbo Charge’ system allows drivers to insert their charging cable into a channel, where a specially designed lid closes behind it like a zip, eliminating hazardous cables stretching across footpaths.

The charging cable is only inserted into the channel when the resident is charging their car

Michael Goulden, CEO and co-founder of Kerbo Charge, said: “Congratulations to Blaenau Gwent on moving quickly to make home charging available to residents with street parking – a high percentage of Welsh homes are terraced or semi-detached so offering this technology will make a real difference to many Welsh families”.

Blaenau Gwent is currently trialling the product and any residents interested in taking part should email EVCharging@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk.

Osprey Charging and Railpen partner to launch rapid EV charging site

Osprey Charging has agreed a partnership with Railpen, which involves an initial rollout of three rapid chargers in Harrow, London.

Located within the multi-story car park of St Ann’s Shopping Centre, the newly installed 60kW chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards.

Two more sites will go live later this year, including a 16-bay hub at Glamorgan Vale Retail Park in Wales and two 150kW chargers across four bays at Old George Mall in Salisbury.

Maria Averkina, asset and development manager at Railpen, said: “This latest announcement is a testament to Railpen’s ongoing commitment to use our influence and scale to effect positive change in the world, ultimately creating a better environment for our members to retire in.”

Andrew Nosworthy, commercial director at Osprey Charging, added: “Our collaboration with Railpen underscores our commitment to providing accessible charging to all EV drivers across the UK.

“The launch of our first Railpen site, as well as the two further locations that will open very shortly, mark another significant step in this direction.”

Superfast charging hub on the horizon for Cheltenham

Three new EV charging hubs across Cheltenham have moved a step closer, with Cheltenham Borough Council exchanging contracts with The EV Network to lease the land for construction.

The charging hubs are set to come online in November and The EV Network will also manage the charging sites.

Offering ultra-fast charging of up to 300kW, the hubs will be located in key car parks, to ensure maximum accessibility and coverage.

The company has delivered numerous successful projects across the UK including one of the largest charging hubs in Europe at NEC Birmingham, with 30 ultra-fast charging points to service the daily requirements of the motorway network, NEC visitors and the nearby Birmingham airport.

Cllr Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for finance and assets, at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “By investing in high-powered charging infrastructure, we are not only easing the transition to electric vehicles but demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This initiative aligns with our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more environmentally friendly Cheltenham."

Reza Shaybani, CEO and co-founder of The EV Network, added: “Our aim is to provide convenient, reliable, and superfast charging solutions that meet the needs of both current and future EV owners.”

The first three charging hubs will be located at St James Street, Bath Terrace and Church Piece car parks, with more to follow from 2025.

Zest opens rapid EV charging at Starbucks

Zest has announced a new partnership with Starbucks franchise operator Café Fortune to provide six 120kW rapid charging bays at the newly opened Starbucks Alfreton site.

Starbucks Alfreton is the first of a series of sites for the partnership, with rollout at pace planned for several Starbucks Drive Thrus nationwide.

In addition to developing the charging infrastructure, Zest will fully manage and operate the charge points.

Ian Gill, property director at Café Fortune, said: “The addition of EV charge points to our sites gives customers and added reason to visit and aligns with our commitment to being a greener company. There is a strong synergy between these uses and we look forward to this site being the first of many.”

Robin Heap, CEO and founder of Zest, added: “Our long-term partnership with Café Fortune will give people an additional reason to visit the development, and allows customers to charge at a time that’s convenient for them.

“We look forward to working with Café Fortune on future sites and responding to the fast- growing population of EV drivers.”

Zapgo to offer EV charging to 33 clubs across the English football pyramid

Zapgo has signed an exclusive agreement with Fair Game, giving access to the 33 lower league and non-league clubs that are members of the group.

The installation of EV charging hubs at club stadiums and training grounds aims to provide valuable new revenue streams for the clubs involved.

Dee Humphries, partnerships and marketing director of Zapgo, said: “Signing our first commercial agreement with Fair Game, an organisation which proudly shares our commitment to sustainability and community, marks a significant milestone for Zapgo.

“This strategic partnership positions Zapgo well to capitalise on opportunities for further growth as we seek to introduce our rapid EV charging solutions to 33 football clubs across England. 

“This expansion represents a key step in strengthening our growing role in the EV charging sector and we are proud to support grassroots football in communities underserved by existing charging infrastructure.”

Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, added: “We are delighted to work with Zapgo on providing football clubs with a supplementary revenue stream in addition to providing local communities with vital infrastructure as the economy transitions to green energy.

“Zapgo’s principles of focusing on the local community with a sustainable approach to business made them a natural partnering opportunity which will benefit Fair Game member clubs.”