Be.EV signs “landmark” £20m retail park charger deal
Be.EV has signed a £20m deal with Schroders Capital to install more than 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at 22 retail and leisure parks across the United Kingdom.
Each of the sites are managed by Schroder’s Capital real estate funds, and will benefit from the installation of Kempower chargers delivering speeds of up to 300kW.
The upcoming Be.EV charging hubs comprise either six or 12 charging bays, and will be leased on a 20-year agreement. Their installation is expected to bring a positive financial impact to Schroders Capital. Last year, a survey found that 57% of EV drivers who use a public charger will go shopping or visit a café while charging their vehicle. In 2025, this number is set to increase as registrations of new EVs are anticipated to grow by 31%.
This year has been one of significant growth for the Manchester-based firm. Since Feburary, it has announced a tie-up with Allstar offering fleet charging discounts, and opened its first ultra-rapid charging hub. In April 2025, it invested £4m into transforming a derelict petrol station into an EV charging site/community hub.
On the back of the announcement, Be.EV CEO, Asif Ghafoor, said: “Like the thousands of drivers who use our network each day, Be.EV is going places.
“This is a landmark deal for Be.EV and we are excited to help the big brands who occupy the retail parks in Schroders portfolio benefit from the increased footfall benefits EV charging brings. I would like to congratulate all the team at Be.EV for their hard work in securing this important deal.”
Matthew Baddeley, lead asset manager at Schroders Capital, added: “Improving the UK electric charging network is essential in supporting the UK’s energy transition goals, whilst it also aligns with our own net zero targets. Be.EV’s offering is highly compelling and we look forward to welcoming them to the Schroders Capital’s retail warehouse portfolio.”
Be.EV is majority-owned by Octopus Energy Generation’s £1.5 billion Sky Fund, which has pledged £110 million of funding into the company.
