Electric vehicle charge point operator Drive Energi has signed a deal with pub retailer and brewer Greene King to build, own and operate one of the UK’s largest retail located rapid charging networks. 

In the longer-term Drive Energi aims to have 2,500 charging locations by 2025 across the UK

The deal furthers work by Drive Energi – formed last year by Box Energi and Tritium – to double the UK’s rapid charging network and will see Tritium 50kW charging points deployed nationwide across Greene King’s pub estate, including its Farmhouse Inns, Chef and Brewer and Hungry Horse brands.

The initial deployment will focus on the North West, with plans for 300 chargers to be fully operational by 2021. In the longer-term Drive Energi aims to have 2,500 charging locations by 2025 across the UK.

The charge points will be powered by renewable energy and available to use via a “Pay As You Go” tariff, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year with no subscription required and contactless payment available.

The deal will help support the UK Government’s commitment to support growth of green, zero-emission technologies – including potentially ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035 or earlier.

James Moat, CEO of Drive Energi, said: “This is a significant milestone for Drive Energi and we are proud to be working in partnership with Greene King on this exciting project as the UK’s EV charging sector will play major role in leading a green recovery post-COVID-19.

“We are committed to the roll-out of accessible public charging across the UK and drivers can expect to charge from over 300 Drive Energi locations by the end of 2021.”

The project also supports Greene King’s work on going greener.

Tony Hodgson, head of estates at Greene King, said: “We’ve been working hard developing our sustainability plans as we continue to build a greener business. With more people buying electric cars in a bid to be more environmentally friendly, we want to support our customers who come to dine or stay with us by offering electric charging ports in our pubs that are able to do so.”

Greene King has separately partnered with RAW Charging to roll out ChargePoint EV charging stations in the initial phase of its EV plans. The tie-up will see charging solutions rolled out across 900 of Greene King’s managed pubs in the next 18 months. The first four charging stations have already been commissioned and installed by RAW Charging at The Churchill in Wooton Bassett, ready for a formal opening and handover at the newly constructed hotel, also owned by GK adjacent to the Churchill Pub.