Be.EV Charging Oasis: Manchester’s Sustainable Future
Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public EV charging networks, has set to work building Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis.
Located at the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road (Manchester, M40), the project is transforming a petrol station that had been derelict for more than 15 years into a cutting-edge EV charging hub.
The site, which will be equipped with 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, promises to charge an EV to 80% in just 20 minutes. To support growing demand, it includes four additional waiting bays that can be easily converted into charging stations.
Enter Caffè Nero
A highlight of the Charging Oasis is its partnership with Caffè Nero, which will open an on-site store. As the exclusive retail partner, Caffè Nero aims to enhance the experience for EV drivers with its premium coffee offerings.
The collaboration marks the latest addition to Caffè Nero’s 1,100-store portfolio and aligns with its strategy to serve commuters and local communities.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, states: “We’re creating a welcoming environment for drivers to recharge while their vehicles power up or to grab a coffee on the go.”
The collaboration supports both brands’ commitment to sustainability and community development, adding convenience for EV users and locals alike.
Regenerating Failsworth with a focus on accessibility
The Charging Oasis contributes to the regeneration of the Failsworth area of Manchester, which has already seen around US$687.5m invested by Manchester City Council.
Positioned on a busy commuter route between Manchester and Oldham, the site expects to attract more than 26,000 daily commuters and cater to a growing EV population, projected to exceed 150,000 by 2038.
Accessibility is a key focus of the project. The site includes a fully-accessible bay and one designed for vans, while each charger has a water-repellant canopy to ensure comfort during inclement weather.
Additional amenities such as free Wi-Fi and CCTV enhance the experience for all users.
A model for future Be.EV projects
The Charging Oasis is Be.EV’s flagship project and will serve as a blueprint for similar sites across the UK.
The network's aim is to redefine EV charging by combining functionality with community-centric spaces.
“This Manchester site will be the jewel in Be.EV’s crown,” adds Asif. “We’ve designed the site with EV drivers in mind, creating a calm, convenient place for charging while fostering a sense of community.”
Various key partners supported the project, including Architect That for design, AY for planning and Kempower as charger manufacturers. Vital supplied the chargers, MES (M Group) handled construction and Matrix developed the infrastructure.
Be.EV received substantial support from the Manchester City Council.
Will Stratton Morris, CEO of Caffè Nero, expresses enthusiasm for the project: “With every Caffè Nero store, we aim to create a welcoming hub for the community. This site perfectly aligns with Be.EV’s vision to benefit EV drivers and strengthen local ties.”
The Charging Oasis is expected to be completed by spring 2025, signalling a milestone in Manchester’s push for sustainable, accessible EV infrastructure.
As Be.EV and its partners move forward, this innovative project sets the stage for a greener future.
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