Engenie to install rapid EV charging at ten retail sites across the UK, bringing rapid charging to millions of shoppers at Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Argos, Next, Aldi, and M&S.

18 million vehicles visit Brookhouse’s retail parks every year

The partnership – between Engenie and Brookhouse – is claimed to be the largest of its kind in the UK and has already opened up rapid destination charging to customers visiting major retail brands at Brookhouse’s retail sites, including millions of shoppers to Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Argos, Next, Aldi, and M&S.

By offering on-site rapid EV charging services at ten of its sites – all of which benefit from no subscription or membership and use contactless pay-as-you-go – Brookhouse says it is supporting the growing number of EV drivers visiting, while also future proofing its portfolio and bringing an added incentive for customers to choose to shop there, directly benefiting its tenants with increased footfall and dwell time.

Mike Nuttall, property director at Brookhouse said: “The way we travel is changing like never before and already we are seeing a wholesale shift towards electric mobility. Customers will expect to be able to charge their vehicles wherever they shop, and our tenants will expect us to provide the infrastructure which enables them to do so. Engenie’s convenient, easy to use and rapid chargers provide the perfect solution to attract the rapidly growing number of EV driving customers to our sites.”

Engenie covers all costs associated with installing and servicing the rapid charging points, eliminating financial risk to Brookhouse. The full rollout will see a 17 Engenie rapid chargers installed across ten sites throughout the UK.

Seven charging sites, hosting 13 rapid chargers, are already open to the public, with the remaining three sites expected to be completed before the end of the year. Each site is powered by 100% renewable energy and the partnership will prevent an estimated 16 tonnes of NOx from polluting UK roads, and over 20 thousand tonnes CO2 emissions.

During the average 73 minute shopping trip to out of town shopping centres, customers can expect to add over 160 miles of range, Engenie said.

Patrick Sherriff business development director at Engenie said: “By ‘grabbing the grid’ and securing vital connections for rapid EV chargers before its competitors, Brookhouse is staying ahead of the curve, and positioning its sites as the go-to shopping destinations for EV drivers. What’s more, our partnership is further proliferating easy-to-use charging infrastructure across the UK, enabling thousands of customers to top up their vehicles while they shop at their favourite retail outlets with the simple tap of a smartphone or contactless card.”

This announcement is Engenie’s latest deal in the retail park sector, following previous announcements with Reef, M7, Northumberland Estates and more due to open this year. The announcement supports Engenie’s plans to double the number of rapid chargers in the UK by 2024, following significant investment from Cube in July 2019.

Sherriff added: “The market for on-site EV charging services at retail parks is primed for rapid growth as EVs hit the mass market and on-site destination charging becomes an essential offering. Engenie has a proven track record in the retail park sector, delivering high quality charging infrastructure that meets the diverse requirements of tenants.”