Be.EV has launched a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Hulme Retail Park in Manchester, marking the first project funded through a £55 million financing deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank. The hub is designed to increase urban access to EV charging, addressing the UK’s growing need for public infrastructure as the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates.
The Hulme site features six ultra-rapid charging bays capable of providing up to 165 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, this facility is part of Be.EV’s broader mission to bridge the charging gap for urban residents, particularly in areas where 60% of households lack off-street parking.
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Manchester has seen a dramatic rise in EV adoption, with over one million EVs registered between 2009 and 2023, representing 10% of the UK’s total EV fleet. However, the lack of off-street parking in much of the city highlights the pressing need for additional public charging infrastructure. Be.EV’s new hub aims to address this gap while supporting sustainable development in the region.
As part of a wider expansion plan, Be.EV aims to deploy 1,600 charging points across the UK this year. The Hulme hub is an important milestone in this effort and serves as a model for future urban charging solutions. Be.EV is also offering a 50% discount on charging fees from February 10-16 to celebrate the launch.
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Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, commented: “This new site in South Manchester highlights the power of collaboration, with our deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank paving the way for ultra-rapid, reliable EV charging. These hubs not only serve local communities and EV drivers but also support retailers by driving increased footfall.”
Bruce Riley, Head of Energy Transition at NatWest, added: “Developing a high-quality, reliable network of charge points is crucial to accelerating EV adoption and decarbonizing the UK’s transport system.”