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Be.EV has officially launched an ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Hulme Retail Park, marking the first project funded under its £55 million financing deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank. This expansion aims to increase urban EV accessibility and support the UK’s growing need for public charging infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
- Be.EV launches a new ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Hulme Retail Park in Manchester.
- First project backed by NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank’s £55 million debt funding.
- Six ultra-rapid bays provide up to 165 miles of charge in 20 minutes.
- Supports growing EV demand in Greater Manchester, where 60% of households lack off-street parking.
- Be.EV offers a 50% charging discount during Welcome Week, February 10-16.
The Hulme site features six ultra-rapid chargers, delivering up to 165 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, the hub helps bridge the charging gap for urban residents, particularly those without access to off-street parking.
Expanding Access for Manchester’s EV Drivers
Manchester is experiencing unprecedented EV adoption, with over one million EVs registered between 2009 and 2023, accounting for 10% of the UK’s total EV fleet. Despite this, 60% of households lack off-street parking, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable public charging options.
Be.EV’s new hub also contributes to Hulme’s ongoing urban transformation, complementing sustainable initiatives like the Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund, which has invested £2.6 million in over 100 green projects.
A Collaborative Push for Nationwide EV Infrastructure
As part of its rapid expansion, Be.EV aims to deploy 1,600 charge points across the UK this year. The Hulme hub serves as a blueprint for future urban charging solutions, combining public-private partnerships to accelerate nationwide EV infrastructure growth.
To celebrate the launch, Be.EV is offering a 50% discount on charging fees from February 10-16 for users charging with the Be.EV app or RFID card.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, stated:
“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.”
With strong financial backing and growing demand, Be.EV continues to strengthen the UK’s EV infrastructure, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities while driving sustainable mobility solutions forward.
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