Be.EV has officially launched an ultra-rapid charging hub at Hulme Retail Park, Manchester, marking a milestone.

The site is the first to be funded via Be.EV’s £55m debt financing deal with NatWest and KfW Ipex-Bank

The site is the first to be funded via Be.EV’s £55m debt financing partnership with high street giant NatWest and German project and export financier KfW IPEX-Bank, announced in June 2024.

The new hub is a direct response to the growing need for accessible EV infrastructure in areas such as Hulme, where many residents lack off-street parking. Around 60% of households in Manchester don’t have off-street parking – compared to a UK average of c.40% – so hubs like this are a necessity for serving Manchester-based EV drivers.

The site features six ultra-rapid charging bays, offering up to 165 miles of range in 20 minutes and powered by renewable energy supplied by Octopus Energy.

The investment will continue to support the national growth of Be.EV’s network, expected to hit a total of 1,600 charge points this year.

Be.EV is celebrating the opening of the new hub by offering all drivers a 50% discounted charging rate during the site’s Welcome Week – which runs from 10 February to 16 February – when charging with their Be.EV app or RFID card.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “This new site in the south of Manchester highlights the power of collaboration, with our deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank paving the way for the efficient expansion of ultra-rapid, reliable EV charging.

“This trailblazing partnership demonstrates how public sector vision, private expertise, and backing from national banks can make a real impact – accelerating the nationwide roll-out of EV infrastructure and bringing charging solutions to communities that need them most.”

Bruce Riley, head of energy transition at NatWest, said: “Developing a high-quality, reliable network of charge points across the UK is central to encouraging the adoption of battery electric vehicles nationally that will help decarbonise the transport system. NatWest is delighted to play its part through financing these investments.”