New rapid hub at The Forge to kick-start next phase of public charging roll-out. Electric vehicle charging provider Be.EV has partnered with Warrington Borough Council to boost Warrington’s rapid charging provision.
A new charging hub, at The Forge Shopping Centre in Stockton Heath, is confirmed and design and installation are underway for a projected go-live this winter.
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Warrington Council has been investing in an extensive network of ‘fast’ chargers, but is lacking the rapid and ultra-rapid charger coverage needed to meet on-the-go charging needs and increased EV uptake.
The partnership with Be.EV is set to remedy this, bringing more public rapid charging opportunities to the area and connecting Warrington to the largest public EV charging network in the region.
When using a rapid charger, EV drivers can typically charge their EV to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour, compared to 4-6 hours on a 7kW fast charger. This means a rapid charger can charge more cars in a day and becomes free again more quickly for the next person — a key factor in ensuring a smooth and convenient charging experience.
The new hub at The Forge Shopping Centre will be home to two rapid chargers and one fast charger across six bays.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO at Be.EV explains: “Progressive local authorities like Warrington Council are entering a new phase with their EV charging strategies. They’ve played a vital role in supporting early uptake of EVs in their communities. Now, it’s about scaling local public charging provision to make EVs accessible to all, whether they can charge at home or not.
“Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are key in this next phase and technology has moved on significantly since the initial council charging networks were first installed. We’re now supporting local authorities in building out charging infrastructure that offers fair and equal access. That means putting chargers where they are needed the most and, crucially, making sure they work!”
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “I’m delighted that we are partnering with Be.EV to introduce these new electric charging points at the Forge car park, which is an exceptionally well-used site in the heart of Stockton Heath.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to help people become more environmentally-friendly in the ways they travel around the borough, and our electric vehicle strategy is an important part of that.
“These new charging points are part of our ongoing work, across the borough, to support more people in making the switch away from traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. I hope the chargers will provide a welcome boost to electric vehicle owners, as well as those who are considering going electric.”
The Be.EV project is one of a number of innovative initiatives by Warrington Council to support EV uptake in the local community, including:
- A pilot project to install 30 fast chargers on six streets near Warrington town centre is currently underway, using £95,000 funding from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme.
- Warrington’s newly launched Car Club, in partnership with Co Wheels, is giving residents the opportunity to hire an electric car on an hourly or daily basis — co-wheels.org.uk/warrington
- The introduction of an all-electric bus fleet, due for roll out towards the end of 2023, funded through £21.5m from The Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme. A cutting-edge, new bus depot is currently being built, which will be fitted out with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, ready to house the new fleet.
- Warrington Borough Council has also recently been successful in receiving funding, through the Government’s £20m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, which will contribute towards the roll out up to 200 on street EV chargers, across the borough.
Be.EV specialises in building and running regional public charging networks that work for local communities. It can deliver EV charging on public or private land under flexible lease options.
Be.EV operates Greater Manchester’s largest public EV charging network and works with its 10 local authorities on local roll-outs and strategies. The team also works directly with NHS trusts and universities, as well as private business.
More on Be.EV work with local authorities here: https://be-ev.co.uk/what-we-offer/local-authorities/
Header image: Asif with Cllr David Ellis, Chair of Warrington’s Climate Emergency Commission.
