Be.EV unveils the e-forecourt of the future
Be.EV, Greater Manchester’s largest public charging network for electric cars, has unveiled its vision of the forecourt of the future.
Based in green oases instead of concrete eyesores, the ultra-rapid charging hubs that are part of its future expansion plans for the North West will allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles in as little as 5 minutes. They will complement smaller charge-while-you-park mini hubs at retailers, workplaces, leisure centres and more.
The unveiling of the new designs is the latest step in Be.EV’s plan to add 1000 chargers to the currently 140-strong network, including at least 10 large, ultra-rapid hubs. Building is due to start in 2022 and the Be.EV team are in discussions with local authorities and landowners as they seek new sites.
The designs for the futuristic green forecourts were created by Lipton Plant Architects, who were briefed to show how the switch to electric vehicles won’t just make driving greener but could also transform local areas by adding new green areas.
Architect Edward Lipton said:
“A lot of charging infrastructure will have to be built to support a fast transition to electric. That’s an exciting opportunity to reimagine a common feature of the built environment and transform urban spaces quite dramatically for the better. With EVs, there is no risk of spilling petrol and diesel, so the ground doesn’t have to be completely sealed with concrete. There are no underground tanks to hold fuel that could get in the way of tree roots, so it’s easier to green the space. As a result, EV charging hubs can be greener, cleaner, more pleasant environments.”
Asif Ghafoor, ceo at Be.EV, added:
“The fuel crisis is encouraging more people to consider EVs, and we want to make charging simple and effortless in Greater Manchester so we can all embrace electric. These new, ultra-rapid charging hubs will extend our current network by offering convenient and pleasant sites for motorists who just want to charge and go. We are actively seeking sites along motorways and major arterial roads.”
Be.EV was appointed by Transport for Greater Manchester to take over the running and expansion of the Be.EV network. It works with landlords, developers, private businesses and the public sector to install chargers in suitable, publicly accessible locations across the region. It can do this at no cost to site owners, including electricity upgrades, installation and maintenance.
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