MFG opens North-West’s first ultra-rapid EV charging station

Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has opened the North-East’s very first electric vehicle only forecourt at its Stretford branch on the Chester Road, Manchester.

The site, situated on the A56, has eight dedicated ultra-rapid 150kW EV charging bays which can give 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

The site, which is both MFG’s first EV only charging hub and Greater Manchester’s first dedicated Ultra Rapid Charging forecourt, is part of the next stage of MFG’s dual-fuel strategy to serve electric vehicle customers. The move also supports Mayor Andy Burnham’s plans of doubling the size of the region’s EV charging network as set out in his inaugural Green Summit in March this year.

In addition to the charging hub, the Stretford site will feature a convenience retail offering serving the local community with a Londis and a Greggs at the site, as well as a valeting centre.

MFG is also investing in the new future of forecourts, committing around £40 million throughout 2021 on EV charging hubs, as well as undertaking a £50 million investment to improve its retail, food to go, and valeting services this year. This investment will continue in the years ahead across its UK wide network.

Velautham Ravichandran, contract manager for MFG Stretford said: “It is extremely exciting to be able to offer a dedicated ultra-rapid EV charging option to both our local community and those travelling through. We are now well positioned to serve UK motorists well into the future in this part of Manchester.”

William Bannister, CEO of MFG, added: “As part of our £400 million investment plans, we are delighted to be opening this EV only forecourt that offers ultra-rapid charging on the Chester Road in Stretford which is a first for the North-West of the country. With 8 ultra-rapid charging bays, we believe this site will help lead the local transition to more sustainable Electric Vehicles.

“MFG is committed to playing our part in ‘levelling up’ the charging infrastructure across the UK, beyond London and the South-East.

“We are investing heavily in ultra-rapid EV charging hubs alongside our existing fuel and convenience store network throughout the UK, including recent openings in Bristol and Birmingham and planned openings in Scotland and Wales this year. This is on top of a significant investment already by MFG in London which is leading the way in promoting cleaner motoring.”