Be.EV triples footprint with acquisition of Mer’s UK public charging network

Manchester-based Be.EV has significantly expanded its national footprint after acquiring the UK public charging network of European operator Mer, adding more than 1,600 charging bays across over 450 sites.

The deal increases Be.EV’s total network to more than 2,500 bays across more than 680 locations, propelling the company into the UK’s top 10 charging networks by rapid and ultra-rapid charging capacity.

The acquisition strengthens Be.EV’s presence in the South of England, complementing its established network across the North and Midlands and creating a truly nationwide offering for EV drivers.

As demand shifts towards faster, high-powered public charging, the enlarged estate is expected to offer drivers simpler journeys and greater reliability on a single network.

The majority of the combined network will, over time, be powered by Octopus Energy, giving customers nationwide access to Be.EV’s 39p/kWh subscription tariff and its extended 7pm–7am off-peak pricing window.

Be.EV is majority owned by Octopus Energy Generation’s Sky Fund, which has raised more than £2.5bn from institutional investors to back renewable and energy infrastructure projects globally.

Asif Ghafoor, (pictured) chief executive of Be.EV, said the acquisition was about improving the everyday experience for drivers. “People don’t want to think about charging — they just want it to work, whenever and wherever they are,” he said. “This deal brings the reliable Be.EV experience to more places, and the scale we gain helps keep public charging affordable.”

Mer will retain its UK fleet charging operations, including around 500 workplace chargers, while refocusing its public charging strategy on core European markets.

Kristoffer Thoner, chief executive of Mer, said the transaction would allow both businesses to pursue their strategic priorities. “This supports Be.EV’s growth while enabling Mer to sharpen its focus on Europe. Ultimately, we share the same goal, making EV charging simple and accessible.”

Be.EV expects the enlarged network to benefit from efficiencies of scale, including stronger procurement power, streamlined operations and lower overheads per site. These synergies are expected to accelerate its path to profitability while supporting further organic expansion.

The company said it does not plan to close sites as part of the integration. Instead, it will invest in targeted upgrades and equipment replacement where necessary, aiming to enhance reliability and customer experience across the combined estate.

The transaction excludes Mer’s UK fleet charging business and will be supported by a streamlined operational structure once integration is complete.