Agent spearheads EV charging sites search

FHP Property Consultants is working with an electrical vehicle charging network to identify thousands of new sites across the region.

Be.EV has enlisted the services of the commercial property agents to find sites in the region’s largest cities, including Derby.

The EV charging business is looking for ‘dwell’ sites, such as existing retail parks, pubs and car parks, as well as acquiring freehold and leasehold sites in the Midlands.

Backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest renewable energy investors, Be.EV is looking to install a reliable network of chargers across the country.

Doug Tweedie, director at FHP, said: “We know that mass EV uptake depends on the quality of the charging experience and at the moment, there simply aren’t enough reliable and accessible locations.

“Be.EV is well funded and has the UK’s fastest growing charging network, with an impressive operational availability rate of 99.6%.

“We’re thrilled to be working together to expand the community-centred public EV charging network in the Midlands and give more people the confidence to go electric.

“We are in discussions with commercial landlords and private landowners, some of whom were not previously aware that their sites could be redeveloped for EV charging purposes.

“There are many vacant sites in the region that people haven’t got the finance to develop or perhaps aren’t sure what to do with, such as petrol stations, supermarkets or drive thru outlets, which benefit from passing traffic.

“Aside from granting a lease, there is very little onus on the landowner, as Be.EV will ensure that each development is fully funded, managed and has access to power.”

Asif Ghafoor, chief executive and co-founder of Be.EV, said: “We’re delighted to work with FHP and bring our state-of-the-art charging infrastructure to cities across the heart of England.

“FHP understands the value of providing reliable, high quality charging facilities in accessible, convenient locations and is now in the vanguard of the EV charging revolution.”