Be.EV secures £20m deal to install 200 fast-chargers at retail locations
Each location will be equipped with Kempower chargers offering speeds of up to 300 kW, enabling a charging range of up to 325 miles in as little as 20 minutes. These chargers will be deployed at prominent retail and leisure parks across the UK, many anchored by major brands such as Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, IKEA, McDonald’s and Costa Coffee.
Be.EV will fully fund the installation and long-term maintenance of the charging infrastructure. The charging hubs, which typically comprise six to twelve bays, will be operated under 20-year leases with index-linked rents, providing Schroders Capital clients with a stable, long-term income stream. Legal agreements for the first three sites have already been exchanged, with further signings expected imminently.
The rollout comes amid a rising demand for public charging infrastructure, particularly at destination sites. A recent survey cited by Be.EV revealed that 57% of EV drivers spend money on retail or hospitality while charging – a figure expected to rise as EV adoption grows.
Be.EV CEO Asif Ghafoor described the deal as a ‘landmark’ for the company, positioning it as a key player in the UK’s national charging network and offering tangible benefits to landlords and tenants. “We are excited to help the big brands who occupy the retail parks in Schroders’ portfolio benefit from the increased footfall EV charging brings,” said Ghafoor.
Matthew Baddeley, Lead Asset Manager at Schroders Capital, added: “Improving the UK electric charging network is essential in supporting the UK’s energy transition goals, whilst it also aligns with our own net zero targets. Be.EV’s offering is highly compelling and we look forward to welcoming them to the Schroders Capital’s retail warehouse portfolio.”
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