In a noteworthy partnership, JW Lees teams up with Be.EV to enhance EV charging at North West pubs.
- Be.EV installs 22 ultra-rapid charging bays across seven locations, with infrastructure upgrades underway.
- Pubs like The Aviator in Stockport now offer six ultra-rapid bays, improving charging times significantly.
- This initiative supports 12,500 local EV drivers, with more sites to get upgraded facilities by early 2025.
- The partnership serves as a model for hospitality brands to comply with regulations and attract clientele.
Brewer and pub operator JW Lees has entered a significant partnership with Be.EV, a national charge point operator, to bolster EV charging capabilities at select North West pubs. This collaboration, valued at £1.8 million, aims to provide ultra-rapid charging options to pub patrons, further enhancing the amenities these establishments offer.
As part of this initiative, Be.EV is in the process of installing 22 ultra-rapid charging bays across seven strategic locations. Additionally, there’s an ongoing upgrade of charging infrastructure at certain sites to meet the increasing demand for efficient charging solutions. Pubs like The Aviator in Stockport have increased their ultra-rapid charging bays from four to six, allowing for quicker charging times that align with the needs of pub visitors seeking convenience and efficiency.
The partnership between JW Lees and Be.EV not only enhances the pub experience for local and visiting EV drivers but also highlights the growing importance of accessible charging points in regional areas. Be.EV’s research reveals that a significant 78% of EV drivers consider convenient charge point locations as ‘essential’ or ‘important’, indicating a clear demand for such facilities.
Currently operational charging sites at The Urmston, The Millgate, The Aviator, The Bluebird Inn, and Duke of Gloucester are readily available for public use, catering to approximately 12,500 local EV drivers, excluding visitors. Plans are in place to install additional charging kits at pubs such as the Pointing Dog in Cheadle and the Moss Trooper in Altrincham by early 2025.
The venture stands as a blueprint for other hospitality brands aiming to comply with government regulations that mandate new non-residential buildings with over 10 parking spaces to feature EV charging._ JW Lees’ proactive approach not only adheres to these rules but also opens a new revenue stream, as installation and maintenance costs are covered by Be.EV with shared revenues to benefit the landowners._
This strategic move places JW Lees among the ranks of notable retailers who have integrated EV charging solutions, reinforcing its position within the North’s expansive public EV charging network. According to Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, “Regional partnerships are a cornerstone to the regeneration of our local areas.” William Lees-Jones, managing director at JW Lees, emphasizes the necessity of reliable and accessible EV charging, reflecting on his own experiences as an EV driver for the past five years.
The collaboration between JW Lees and Be.EV not only meets regulatory requirements but also sets a precedent for integrating sustainable solutions into traditional business models.
