Drivers in Stockport now have access to a new EV charging hub as part of an ongoing £15m project to revolutionise electric transport infrastructure in the borough.

The Romiley Precinct hub is the first of 20 being built under the £15m project

The site, located near the Romiley Precinct shopping centre, is kitted out with four charging bays – two ultra-rapid, one rapid and one fast.

It’s the first of 20 hubs being built in a partnership between Stockport Borough Council and Be.EV.

Sites across Stockport on Ashbrook Lane, Church Road, Massie Street, Mellor Road and Commercial Road East are all due to go live in the coming months.

The completed network will have more than 100 EV charging bays and is open to all EV drivers, with Be.EV members able to charge at a discounted rate. Charging is free at all sites on launch days.

Be.EV funded all up-front installation and operating costs for the Romiley Precinct hub, as well as managed the design, build, installation of the site, and ongoing maintenance – delivering a turn-key solution for Stockport Council.

Stockport Council will receive a share of charging revenues, benefiting local residents.

Councillor Mark Roberts, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “The whole of Stockport, including the council, residents and businesses, must make big changes to reduce our emissions now so that we stop contributing to climate change and providing this new infrastructure will help us on that challenging journey.

“Installing more electric vehicle chargers is a key element for the council with regards to its commitment to taking action on climate change as we aim for Stockport to be carbon neutral by 2038.”

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV said: “Stockport Council is getting ahead of the curve by providing reliable ultra-rapid and rapid charging for its residents to use that do not have off-road parking of their own, while generating additional footfall to retail hot spots.

“Other councils should sit up and take notice – sites like these are perfect for simultaneously achieving their net-zero transition goals while also providing a boost to local businesses.”