News

Be.EV launches 1p/kWh charging deal at new ‘EV oasis’

Public charging specialist Be.EV is offering EV drivers the chance to charge for just 1p per kWh to mark the opening of its newest hub.

Drivers will be able to fully charge their car for less than £1 this Saturday (June 21) at the new Manchester Charging Oasis in Failsworth, located on the site of an abandoned petrol station.

The £4 million charging hub, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road, is one of the first projects to repurpose a former petrol station into a charging hub in the UK. The site had previously lain unused for 15 years and had to undergo major decontamination and redevelopment to create the new hub.

The site features 12 ultra-rapid charging bays offering up to 300kW, including two extra long bays and an accessible bay as well as four waiting bays. To mark the opening of the new site one of the chargers has been wrapped in a design created by local primary school pupil Srinika Malladi.

Alongside the chargers, the new “oasis” is home to a Caffè Nero, and features a wildflower garden and trees to attract wildlife and boost the site’s biodiversity. As part of efforts to maximise the site’s green credentials, the top layer of tarmac is made from recycled tyres, recycled bricks have been used in the construction of the Caffè Nero Express and solar panels help deliver energy. Recycled water from drainage is also being used on-site.

image showing the Be.EV Manchester Charging Oasis's previous life as a petrol station
The site, seen here in in its previous incarnation in the 1960s, is one of the first to be converted from a former petrol station

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “This flagship site has been a long time in the making, and we’re thrilled that it’s open to the public. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and is a proud day for everyone in the business.

“This site will change ultra-rapid public charging forever. It’s been designed to give drivers exactly what they want – not only amenities to give them a break from driving, but also trees, wildflowers and nature that makes drivers excited to come here and charge.

“We can’t wait to see members of the local community and EV drivers at our event on Saturday, which is why we’re giving them the cheapest EV charging anywhere in the country to celebrate.

“This site will also be 50p/kWh going forward, making it the cheapest ultra-rapid charging site in Manchester. We care about our community, and want drivers to know that we’re on a mission to give drivers cheap charging that they can count on every time.”

Matt Allan

Matt is Editor of EV Powered. He has worked in journalism for more than 20 years and been an automotive journalist for the last decade, covering every aspect of the industry, from new model reveals and reviews to consumer and driving advice. The former motoring editor of inews.co.uk, The Scotsman and National World, Matt has watched the EV landscape transform beyond recognition over the last 10 years and developed a passion for electric vehicles and what they mean for the future of transport - from the smallest city cars to the biggest battery-powered trucks. When he’s not driving or writing about electric cars, he’s figuring out how to convert his classic VW camper to electric power.

Matt Allan