Raw Charging is celebrating the opening of its brand-new hub in Stoke-on-Trent by offering free EV charging for a week.

The new hub in Etruria Mills opens on 19 September 2025 and is set to be the largest and most powerful rapid hub in the area.

The EV hub, which has been funded and installed by Raw Charging, will have a total of twelve 150kW ultra-rapid DC charging bays, providing enhanced convenience for EV drivers in Stoke and others visiting from the surrounding areas.

The hub’s chargers will typically charge an electric vehicle to 80% in some 30 minutes, which gives drivers time to enjoy some shopping or a bite to eat at Nandos, Wagamama, Costa or any of the other eateries at Etruria Mills.

To mark the opening, drivers will be able to enjoy free charging for one week – from 19 September to 26 September.

Neil Broadbank, chief commercial officer of Raw Charging, said: “Last year there were already over 1.3 million fully electric vehicles on UK roads, and this is set to hit around 12 million by 2030 – 55% of all vehicles on the road.

“As electric vehicles become an integral part of everyday transport, initiatives such as the Etruria Mills charging hub are vital in supporting drivers and reducing environmental impact across the UK.”

Andrew McDaniel, founding partner at Meadow Partners, which owns Etruria Mills in partnership with Roadside Real Estate Plc, added: “Demand for roadside drive-thru and quick service retail is rapidly growing across the UK. As electric vehicle use increases, we are pleased to enhance the service offering at Eturia Mills by adding critical EV charging hubs in addition to its compelling commercial shopping and dining spaces.”

The BVRLA is running a campaign spotlighting the importance of destination charging, with the help of the Transport Minister. The Bon VoyCharge initiative showcases best practice of ‘destination charging’ across the UK and highlights where the industry and policymakers can collaborate on further development.

The next phase of the campaign launched last week in an event at the House of Commons, where the BVRLA set out its key requests to government built around three main priorities.