Manchester-based charging network Be.EV has partnered with sporting goods provider Decathlon to provide the chain with ultra-rapid EV charging at a number of stores across the country.
The deal is Decathlon UK’s first partnership with a public charging network and will see Be.EV bringing its ultra-rapid charging solutions to Decathlon stores where possible.
Sites are already in the pipeline across various stores in the UK, with Decathlon’s Stockport site being first across the line to receive a charging hub. The store is one of the largest in the UK – spanning over 52,000 sq ft – and 16 ultra-rapid charging bays will be installed.
Decathlon Stockport receives up to 20,000 visitors per week, and is located minutes from the M60 – which sees an average of over 83,000 vehicles a day. Stockport has close to 2700 registered electric vehicles, drivers of which will be able to charge their car whilst commuting or visiting the retailer.
The cutting-edge Kempower chargers will allow drivers to charge their vehicle to 80% in as little as 20 minutes, compared to 4-6 hours on a 7kW fast charger – a solution that matches Decathlon’s customer dwell time of approximately 30 minutes.
The chargers also feature unique load-balancing abilities, meaning they can intelligently distribute energy supply between vehicles according to capacity and demand – making for a more efficient and convenient charging experience.
Backed by £110million from Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest renewable energy investors, Be.EV is on a mission to sustainably accelerate the UK’s EV revolution and improve communities by installing reliable chargers throughout the UK.
The deal is the latest step in Decathlon’s Transition 2026 plan – the retailer’s mission to achieve a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2026.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, said: ”We’re pleased to be partnering with such a high profile partner to deliver their EV strategy. Decathlon customers deserve reliable EV charging, and our state of the art charging infrastructure will bring high-quality charging to sites across the UK.
“Our charging hubs will offer shoppers a convenient moment to charge their car, and Decathlon is getting ahead of the curve by providing reliable, high quality charging facilities for their customers.
“Other retailers should be taking note. As more and more people choose to drive electric vehicles, they’ll naturally gravitate to those brands that offer convenient charging whilst browsing their stores.”
Chris Allen, UK Sustainability & Circular Economy Leader, Decathlon, added: “Introducing ultra-rapid EV charging solutions at select stores in partnership with Be.EV exemplifies our commitment to responsible practices that can help contribute to a better environment. Aligning with our mission to champion people and planet-positive solutions.”
Stockport is the first site to begin construction, with the charging hub expected to be completed in April 2024.
