EV drivers are more likely to be fitness fanatics than their petrol and diesel counterparts, a new study claims.

The research accompanies Be.EV’s launch of its new ultra-rapid charging hub at Decathlon Wednesbury

Carried out by national charging network Be.EV, the survey of more than 3,600 Decathlon shoppers found that EV drivers were more likely to do cardio-intensive sports than their petrol and diesel counterparts, such as swimming (57% vs 52%), running (51% vs 46%) and cycling (69% vs 61%).

The survey also showed that EV drivers are more likely to be adrenaline junkies as well, with EV drivers listing several sports as hobbies that no petrol or diesel driver respondent named, such as skydiving, cold water swimming as well as CrossFit.

The research accompanies Be.EV’s launch of its new 16-bay ultra-rapid charging hub at Decathlon Wednesbury at Gallagher Retail Park. The chargers at the site can deliver up to 165 miles of range in a 20-minute stop.

The ultra-rapid hub is one of the biggest sites of its kind at any retail park in the Black Country. Gallagher Retail Park is located just off the M6’s junction 9 – one of the UK’s busiest motorway junctions – with an average daily traffic flow of over 140,000 vehicles.

Be.EV and Decathlon are hosting an event to celebrate the launch of the site on Tuesday 18 March. EV drivers will get 50% off charging all day as part of this event, and will also get a free coffee with every charge.

The site is also the first in the partnership between Be.EV and Wesleyan, a Birmingham-based UK mutual with £7.6bn of assets under management, including a UK commercial property portfolio worth approximately £450m. It’s the first deal the mutual has signed with an EV charging network to install EV charging at one of its existing sites.

Chris Allen, director of sustainability at Decathlon, said: “Our stores are more than just retail spaces – they’re family-friendly destinations where you can be inspired, get active and recharge yourself while your car does the same.

“We’re committed to supporting every step of your sporting journey, and now that includes making your travel seamless and sustainable. Together with Be.EV, we’re empowering more people to lead active, positive lifestyles – powered by sport, and powered responsibly.”