SSE partners with retail park owner on UK EV charging network

SSE Energy Solutions has kicked off plans for a major electric vehicle (EV) charging network across the UK through a new partnership with global commercial real estate investor and asset manager Oxford Properties (Oxford) and its pan-European portfolio company M7 Real Estate (M7).

SSE plans to build 300 EV charging bays powered by traceable, renewable energy by 2027, with their first hub set to launch at Castlebank, Glasgow.

As part of SSE’s overall EV network strategy this new deal aims to deliver new EV sites with up to 12 bays each at 20 of Oxford’s retail warehousing parks across the UK within 24 months, with the ability to recharge an estimated 2 million vehicles annually. The parks are asset managed and operated by M7 on behalf of Oxford.

Most bays will have “ultra-rapid” charging capabilities of up to 150 kW, which allow drivers to resume their journey within 20 to 40 minutes of plugging in.

Kevin Welstead, EV sector director at SSE Energy Solutions, said, “It is vital that we face the EV infrastructure challenge head on if we are to meet our ambitious decarbonisation targets.

“We must ensure that drivers are able to access EV charging points easily and conveniently. Retail locations provide a perfect solution; people can simply plug in their vehicle while they shop and return to a fully charged car thanks to our ultra-rapid facilities.

“This forward-thinking partnership is exactly the kind of collaborative approach we need landowners across the UK to consider. M7 understands that the time to act is now, and we look forward to continuing our work with them.

Josh Tyler, Asset Manager at M7, said, “With customers placing increasing importance on ensuring that the businesses and services they use share their sustainability goals, we understand it is critical that our retail parks are as green as possible.

“It is important to us and our occupiers that we are able to provide the customer with the best possible EV charging experience, working with SSE was an easy decision for us due to their commitment to renewables and proven track record on decarbonisation strategy.”

James Boadle, Senior Vice President, at Oxford added, “We believe our assets have an important role to play in supporting the green infrastructure required to help our customers and communities make more sustainable choices.“

SSE Energy Solutions is in talks with M7 to further expand the project, with the ambition to open a potential 70 sites around the country by 2025.