Greene King has joined forces with electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator Drive Energi to enable customers to charge up their vehicles at the pub.
The deal between the pub chain and Drive Energi means charging points will be rolled out nationwide across Green King’s portfolio which includes its Farmhouse Inns, Chef and Brewer and Hungry Horse brands.
The partnership, which will extend through to 2040, will see Drive Energi build, own and operate one of the UK’s largest retail located Rapid charging networks with the first locations going live across the North West before the end of 2020.
The Tritium 50kW DC charge points will be powered by renewable energy and available to use via a “Pay As You Go” tariff, using contactless payment 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year without the need to subscribe.
The deal will provide vital EV charging infrastructure to strengthen the UK government’s commitment to support growth of green, zero-emission technologies – including ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035.
Drive Energi, a subsidiary of energy investment company Box Energi, develops Rapid DC and Fast AC Electric Vehicle charge points. The firm works alongside large property owners, equipment manufacturers, technology providers and installers to build, own and operate a nationwide EV charge point network powered by renewable energy.
Box Energi is helping the UK meet its targets for EV adoption and net zero emissions by 2050. It is at the forefront of a global transition in energy, electric vehicle charging and clean power infrastructure.
James Moat, CEO of Drive Energi, said: “This is a significant milestone for Drive Energi and we are proud to be working in partnership with Greene King on this exciting project as the UK’s EV charging sector will play a major role in leading a green recovery post-COVID-19.
“We are committed to the roll-out of accessible public charging across the UK and drivers can expect to charge from over 300 Drive Energi locations by the end of 2021.”
Tony Hodgson, head of estates at Greene King, said: “We’ve been working hard developing our sustainability plans as we continue to build a greener business.
“With more people buying electric cars in a bid to be more environmentally friendly, we want to support our customers who come to dine or stay with us by offering electric charging ports in our pubs that are able to do so.”
The initial deployment will focus on sites across the North West which are expected to be fully operational by 2021, with the wider roll-out taking place in phases across the UK over the next three years.