Following the acquisition of Parkopedia by EasyPark Group and the expansion of the Group’s service portfolio, sister brand ParkMobile will launch as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) in North America. The EV charging service will be powered by Parkopedia, complementing ParkMobile’s existing parking platform and further enhancing its mobility offering.
Roam, a leading provider of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has successfully delivered scalable EV charging infrastructure at Beaufort Park, a 25-acre residential development in north-west London. Partnering with one of the largest property management companies in the UK, RMG, Roam has installed 117 fast-charging points to support the
Peabody has taken delivery of its first electric micromobility vehicle from Northgate Vehicle Hire, helping cut carbon emissions, noise pollution and promote sustainable ways of getting about. It will halve the time it takes caretakers to travel between homes in the Earls Court area of West London, giving them more
A majority of property managers, developers, and landlords in the UK are committed to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging in residential buildings by 2028, with most aiming for completion by 2026, according to new data from ChargeGuru UK. However, despite these pledges, progress has been sluggish due to persistent challenges.
The UK’s first public Electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (eHGV) charging hub has officially launched at Able Humber Port (AHP) in Immingham. The milestone development, hosted by Able Group on 5 March 2025, marks a significant step towards decarbonising transport and logistics in the region as electric HGVs begin to replace
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging
Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, has begun construction on Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis. The site, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road (Manchester, M40), is the only project of its kind to repurpose a former petrol station into a
EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam. The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV)
Following the acquisition of Parkopedia by EasyPark Group and the expansion of the Group’s service portfolio, sister brand ParkMobile will launch as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) in North America. The EV charging service will be powered by Parkopedia, complementing ParkMobile’s existing parking platform and further enhancing its mobility offering. ParkMobile’s existing 65 million user base and market-leading smart parking and mobility platform will enable closer cooperation with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and fleet providers operating in North America to offer a seamless EV charging and payment experience via in-vehicle headunits and the ParkMobile app. The new eMSP will leverage Parkopedia’s extensive experience in EV charging services and market-leader position for global in-car payments to create immersive EV charging payment experiences and additional opportunities for CPOs, aggregators and MSPs. This move will also support the ability to orchestrate transactions in future, offering greater added value to both drivers and fleet managers, while enabling OEMs to provide desirable premium EV charging services to their customers. This new offering will create the most accurate and convenient eMSP in North America, enabling ParkMobile customers to use their pre-existing accounts to not only park but also charge – something which is becoming increasingly important as EV adoption accelerates around the world. Unique driver experiences will be facilitated by the combination of Parkopedia’s auto-grade data products and ParkMobile’s sophisticated payment functionality. Once live, fleet customers will benefit from being able to access new EV fleet capabilities from within their existing fleet management solution, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency. Benefits for consumersThis new functionality will enable ParkMobile customers to pay for parking and charging via a single solution. Not only does this provide convenience to drivers, but it also helps drivers to find the cheapest available charging sessions, regardless of provider, via multi-contract plug and charge capabilities. Research shows that many drivers are frustrated by having to rely on multiple systems to access services and want convenient unified platforms, with 97% of US participants in the 2025 In-Car Payments User Experience Report stating that they would value being able to access multiple in-car payment services (eg. parking, fuelling/EV charging etc.) through one platform. Nearly all US participants (97%) also said that in-car payment functionality would improve their driving experience, showing that integrated connected car services are becoming a more important selling point for new car buyers. Benefits for fleet managersThe new solution will seamlessly integrate into existing fleet management systems, offering businesses greater convenience and helping them to reduce their operational costs thanks to intelligent route optimization and improved vehicle utilization by enabling fleets to find and access the cheapest charging options across multiple MSPs and CPOs thanks to Parkopedia’s developed multi-contract Plug & Charge solution and tariff transparency. Not only does this enable better cost control, but it also reduces the complexity of invoice management by combining parking and charging costs into one invoice. It also ensures more efficient use of fleet vehicles, improving vehicle utilization by incorporating EV charging into daily route planning. This is particularly important as the cost of public charging can vary dramatically and the benefit of reduced fuelling costs by moving from ICE vehicles to EVs is only possible if fleets charge intelligently and avoid costly charging locations and providers – some of which can cost more to charge than an equivalent amount of gas would for an ICE vehicle. Meanwhile, fleet drivers will benefit from reduced time needed to find public chargers, thanks to accurate data, including real-time availability information. In addition, having access to this functionality through the head unit of the vehicle offers greater convenience to drivers, with the option for them to view this information on mobile devices, if desired. Highlighting the value of this new eMSP, Duncan Licence, Chief Product Officer, at Parkopedia, said:“This new eMSP service will offer significant value to drivers, fleets and OEMs, by combining the value of our extensive parking and charging data with in-car transactions and making this easily accessible to more than 65 million existing ParkMobile customers. We know drivers value being able to access their driving-related services in one platform, with confidence in utilizing the best available tariffs to charge, and in-car payments becoming increasingly demanded by drivers, with this new eMSP offering covering all this and more.” Scott Booker, General Manager of Parking at EasyPark Group, parent company of ParkMobile, stated: “ParkMobile is committed to expanding direct integrations with a growing network of CPOs to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience for drivers, fleets, and OEMs. The announcement of our new eMSP service represents a significant step forward in our ability to provide added value to our customers—particularly as EV adoption accelerates and demand for frictionless charging solutions continues to rise.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Roam, a leading provider of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, has successfully delivered scalable EV charging infrastructure at Beaufort Park, a 25-acre residential development in north-west London. Partnering with one of the largest property management companies in the UK, RMG, Roam has installed 117 fast-charging points to support the growing demand for EV adoption among residents. The installation reinforces the growing demand for electric cars across the UK, with EVs achieving their highest-ever February market share after a record-breaking January. Latest reports reveal there were over 21,200 BEV registrations last monthi, reflecting a 41.7% year-on-year growth as the industry continues to gain momentum. Beaufort Park, managed by RMG, is home to thousands of residents across multiple residential blocks, making the need for a reliable and scalable EV charging solution essential. Following a comprehensive site survey, Roam designed a bespoke charging infrastructure featuring 56 active and 61 passive 22kW fast-charging sockets. Strategically placed to maximise accessibility and usage across the development, the new network enables residents to conveniently charge their vehicles at home. “Providing our residents with access to high-quality EV charging supports environmental goals and offers convenience and cost savings to residents,” said Adam Peer, Associate Director at RMG. “Roam’s expertise and experience working in the residential sector made them the ideal partner for this project.” Roam has invested £465,000 in the fully funded installation which ensures ongoing management, maintenance and technology upgrades throughout the length of the partnership. With over 2,000 serviced parking bays at Beaufort Park, this new installation forms part of RMG’s wider sustainability strategy and guarantees that the site remains future-ready. “At Roam, our mission is to create seamless, scalable EV charging solutions that integrate effortlessly into residential developments,” said James Randall, CEO of Roam. “Our partnership with RMG at Beaufort Park demonstrates how property management companies can embrace sustainable innovation while enhancing residents’ daily lives.” Residents have responded positively to the new installation, praising the modern, fast, and user-friendly chargers. With an intuitive payment system and competitive tariffs, Roam’s solution ensures that EV adoption is both accessible and affordable for the Beaufort Park community. This latest project strengthens Roam’s position as a leading residential EV charging provider, already trusted by major property management firms and housing developments across the UK such as Battersea Power Station, West End Quay and Wimbledon Stadia. The company continues to expand its nationwide residential network, supporting the UK’s transition towards a greener, electric future. For more information, visit www.roamcharging.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody has taken delivery of its first electric micromobility vehicle from Northgate Vehicle Hire, helping cut carbon emissions, noise pollution and promote sustainable ways of getting about. It will halve the time it takes caretakers to travel between homes in the Earls Court area of West London, giving them more time to keep residents’ communal areas clean and tidy. The bike, officially known as an electric cargo bike, can travel about 25 miles on one charge. It can use bus lanes so will reduce the time caretakers spend waiting in traffic and will be easier to park, particularly when traveling between homes on West Cromwell Road, Earls Court Road and Fulham Road, which are on red routes where parking is very limited. “There are lots of benefits to having a micromobility vehicle like this on our fleet,” said Eugene Brown, Peabody’s Head of Estate Services for Northwest London. “It is kinder to the environment than our traditional vehicles and will make it much easier for caretakers to move between estates with their equipment. By using bus lanes, it can avoid traffic jams and parking will be much easier as caretakers can park it in communal paved and garden areas while they service sites.” Switching its fleet to electric vehicles is one of the pledges of Peabody’s Sustainability Strategy and while vehicle emissions account for only a small part of the Group’s overall carbon footprint, every small change helps. Northgate has supplied the bike to Peabody on a four-year long-term hire contract, which includes battery charging. The cost is roughly half that of the smaller diesel vans Peabody currently uses in London, which emit nearly two tonnes of carbon each a year*. By contrast, an electric cargo bike has no emissions. If successful, the Estate Services team will add more bikes in other neighbourhoods. Peabody is in the process of installing more chargers so caretakers and other colleagues who travel around London can switch to electric vehicles. Melanie Creedy, Northgate’s EV Business Development Manager, said: “Since we launched our electric micromobility proposition in 2024 we have had many fleets like Peabody trial the different types of vehicles that we have on offer. Feedback has been very positive as electric cargo bikes offer numerous benefits over standard vans in urban areas like London where manoeuvrability, restricted parking and emission reduction are big considerations for operators. “We look forward to supporting Peabody as it continues to grow its electric fleet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A majority of property managers, developers, and landlords in the UK are committed to installing electric vehicle (EV) charging in residential buildings by 2028, with most aiming for completion by 2026, according to new data from ChargeGuru UK. However, despite these pledges, progress has been sluggish due to persistent challenges. The research found that 64% of property leaders plan to retrofit EV chargers into existing developments within the next four years. More than half (54%) expect installations to take place in 2025 and 2026. However, ChargeGuru, a leading provider of fully funded and managed EV charging solutions for flats and apartments, has identified a significant gap between ambition and implementation. When asked about the obstacles preventing installation, landlords and property managers cited several key concerns: While 97% of property professionals say they are aware of how many residents in their buildings own an EV, a significant 70% of those residents still rely on public charging. Public infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with Zapmap reporting that over 20,000 new public charge points were installed in 2024, increasing the UK’s total by nearly 30% in a single year. However, home charging remains disproportionately limited to those with driveways. According to ChargeUK, approximately 800,000 home chargers were installed in 2024—primarily benefiting homeowners rather than those living in apartment buildings. With Zapmap tracking around 1.4 million fully electric cars on UK roads at the start of 2025 (rising to 2.1 million when including plug-in hybrids), there remains a substantial disparity between those who can charge affordably at home and those reliant on the pricier public network. Despite the challenges, 81% of property professionals claim to understand the process of installing EV chargers in residential buildings, and 86% are aware of government funding options available to support these initiatives. Denis Watling, Managing Director of ChargeGuru UK, emphasised the urgency of action: “While the data highlights a growing commitment to private EV charging, the reality is that many property decision-makers are yet to turn these plans into reality. To accelerate private ‘at-home’ EV charging adoption, industry leaders, the government, and the property sector must collaborate to remove key barriers. “Installing EV infrastructure is a long-term investment, and it’s crucial to implement solutions that address each building’s unique challenges—whether related to upfront costs, fair access, or ongoing maintenance. Our data shows that 75% of residents have already considered EV charging availability when moving or will do so in their next relocation. Property managers and freeholders cannot afford to delay unless they want to fall behind the competition.” With demand for EV charging only set to rise, the property sector faces increasing pressure to ensure residential developments are future-proofed for the shift towards electric mobility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s first public Electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (eHGV) charging hub has officially launched at Able Humber Port (AHP) in Immingham. The milestone development, hosted by Able Group on 5 March 2025, marks a significant step towards decarbonising transport and logistics in the region as electric HGVs begin to replace diesel-powered fleets. Able Group, serving as both the landlord and renewable energy provider for the site, unveiled the facility alongside Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, TRATON Group (which includes brands such as Scania and MAN), and Volvo Group. The Immingham site is the first of its kind in the UK and forms part of Milence’s ambitious plan to establish 1,700 eHGV charging points across Europe by 2027. Milence CEO, Anja van Niersen, hailed the opening as a pivotal moment in the UK’s transition to electric freight transport. “This strategically located site underscores our commitment to providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure for the growing number of electric truck operators. This is just the first step in our UK expansion, and we are dedicated to working with all stakeholders to accelerate the shift towards a sustainable future for the transport industry.” A Strategic Location for the Future of Green Freight Phase one of the hub features four high-performance Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers serving eight bays, alongside a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) charger powering two bays. Drivers will also have access to lounge and welfare facilities, including food and beverage options. Future phases will expand the number of CCS and MCS chargers while enhancing site amenities. Situated just off the A180, with direct links to the M180, M18, and M1 motorways, the Immingham hub is ideally positioned to support the UK’s busiest freight routes. The Able Humber Port plays a crucial role in UK trade, handling over 30 Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) and Lo-Lo (lift-on/lift-off) sailings per week, providing vital connections to Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic regions. North Lincolnshire Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Richard Hannigan, praised the project as “a groundbreaking innovation for the UK.” He added, “Local residents understand that HGVs are the lifeblood of the country. They want to see quiet, efficient, and non-polluting HGVs on the road.” Driving Towards a Net Zero Future Peter Stephenson, Executive Chairman of Able Group, highlighted the significance of the hub as part of the region’s renewable energy strategy. “The opening of this charging hub is a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the potential of the Humber Freeport region. As a landowner and developer of renewable electricity, we are proud to support Milence in advancing sustainable transport solutions. This development is just the beginning of our net zero ambitions at AHP.” Able Humber Port spans 351 hectares (867 acres), with 39.4 hectares (97 acres) of quayside space, including a 177.7-hectare (439-acre) designated tax site within the Humber Freeport. The site is primed for further green developments, and Able Group is actively seeking additional tenants and partners aligned with its vision for a sustainable future. With the launch of Milence’s eHGV charging hub, the UK takes a significant step towards electrifying heavy goods transport—paving the way for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient freight movement nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading rapid-charging network, has been chosen by one of Europe’s largest asset management companies – Legal & General – as the provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its ReAssure Funds. Working closely with advisor Knight Frank, the two companies are bringing reliable, ultra-rapid charging facilities to premium retail and leisure parks across the UK. A first site is already live at Festival Heights Retail Park in Stoke-on-Trent, with four rapid charge points. Two 16-bay ultra-rapid hubs are in construction at Highbridge Retail Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex, and at Woodside Leisure Park, Watford. Conveniently situated just off the M25 and M1 respectively, these locations offer drivers an ideal opportunity to recharge their vehicles and enjoy a break from their journey. In total, six sites from L&G’s ReAssure portfolio will benefit from ultra-rapid charging. The planned rollout spans England, from the South East to the North West, and collectively delivers 72 state-of-the-art charge points. L&G’s EV charging strategy shows its commitment to future-proofing its assets while enhancing long-term value for tenants and retail customers alike. David Goatman, Partner, Department Head, Global Head of Energy and Sustainability at Knight Frank, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Legal & General on this successful rapid EV charging partner selection. This kind of innovative procurement process will help to deliver crucial low carbon infrastructure across the portfolio and add to the on-site amenity offer for occupiers.” Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging, said: “We’re proud to work with L&G’s ReAssure portfolio, providing the ultra-rapid charging infrastructure that is crucial for the UK’s expanding EV market. By installing reliable, high-powered charging hubs, we’re making EV ownership more convenient and accessible for drivers across the country, whilst making these excellent retail parks even more attractive to tenants and customers. With over 1,300 charging bays, we are the UK’s third largest open rapid charging network and committed to further expansion with high quality landowners like L&G.” Easy to use and powered by 100% renewable energy, Osprey chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and payments through all major third-party methods including fleet fuel cards. Osprey’s in-house software, Osprey Iris, enables market-leading levels of reliability and fleet integrations. As a result, Osprey is a multi-award-winning network and a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for satisfaction for the fifth consecutive year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Be.EV, one of the UK’s fastest-growing public electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, has begun construction on Manchester’s first large-scale Charging Oasis. The site, located on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road (Manchester, M40), is the only project of its kind to repurpose a former petrol station into a modern EV charging hub in the UK. The plot of land was a derelict petrol station for over 15 years, and is now being regenerated as the forecourt of the future – equipped with 12 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of charging an EV to 80% in just 20 minutes. The charge points are accompanied by four labelled waiting bays, giving EV owners clear spaces to queue if the Hub becomes busy. These are ready to be converted into full charging bays, when demand requires. The Charging Oasis will also be home to a new store by Caffè Nero, the premium European independent coffee house, who has signed a deal with Be.EV to be the exclusive retail partner on-site. The Nero Express store will serve as the latest drive-to site in Caffè Nero’s 1,100 store estate, and comes as part of the brand’s wider strategy to provide high-quality, barista-made coffee to commuters and local communities alike. Both brands are bringing a commitment to providing a welcoming space for EV drivers, with the store providing a warm and welcoming environment for drivers to recharge while their vehicles power up or grab a quick coffee to go whilst passing through. The partnership brings an additional layer of community focus to the Charging Oasis, with the project being a key part of the ongoing regeneration of the Failsworth area. Manchester City Council has already committed over £550 million to help regenerate the Failsworth area, and the site will serve as a focal point for attracting further investment to the region. Positioned on a high-traffic route between Manchester and Oldham, over 26,000 commuters pass by the site daily. With more than 1,242 registered EVs in the area, and over 150,000 EVs set to be on Manchester’s roads by 2038, there’s a clear demand for future-proof, accessible charging infrastructure. All bays will be accessible, including one fully accessible bay and one specially designed for vans, with each charger featuring a water-repellant canopy to keep drivers dry. The site also features free Wi-Fi for all users as well as CCTV to ensure members of the community are safe. The Charging Oasis marks Be.EV’s first project of this scale, and is set to serve as a model for similar Be.EV locations across the UK, with plans for more to come. Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said: “We’re excited to break ground on our flagship Charging Oasis – this Manchester site will be the jewel in Be.EV’s crown, and it’s an incredible moment for the business. “We’ve designed the site with EV drivers in mind – we know that they want amenities on-site, either to take an extended break from driving, or simply to pop in and grab a takeaway coffee. “Not only will the Charging Oasis provide passers-by with a calm, convenient place for them to charge their EV or get a drink, but it will also serve as a hub for the local community to enjoy a coffee and a snack. “Having Caffè Nero on board as our retail partner is a real testament to the project. The partnership elevates the site from somewhere for drivers to quickly charge their car, to a destination for them to grab a coffee and recharge their own batteries too. “Their focus on sustainability and community aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re creating a space where drivers can recharge while supporting a greener future.” Will Stratton Morris, CEO of Caffè Nero said: “With every Caffe Nero store, we aim for it to be a hub in the community where people can come together, feel welcomed and enjoy premium hand crafted coffee. “The store we are opening at the Manchester Oasis will be just that, and it matches perfectly the ambitions Be.EV have for the site. “We are delighted to partner with them on this, they are creating a truly great project which will not only benefit those with electric cars but will also strengthen the local community. ” The construction of the Charging Oasis is expected to be completed by spring 2025, with the site opening shortly thereafter. Partners of the site include Architect That (who designed the site), AY (who undertook planning and discharging of conditions), Vital (who supplied chargers), Kempower (who manufactured chargers), MES (M Group) (who constructed the site), Formula Space (who consulted on and manufactured signage) and Matrix (who built infrastructure to bring power to the site). Be.EV also worked with Manchester City Council, which has been very supportive and helped to get the project to this point. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam. The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across hospitality, workplaces, multi-dwelling residentials, leisure and retail sectors. Since Roam started in 2020, the company has made significant steps in providing a nationwide network of accessible and reliable charging solutions. Working with over 14 national hotel groups including Hilton Hotels and Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, as well as sporting organisations including The Professional Golfers Association and workspace clients like BizSpace Ltd. Roam has also established a strong presence in the residential sector, specialising in EV chargers for multi-dwelling apartment buildings. Roam is set to accelerate its expansion in this space in both the UK and Europe in 2025, with current clients including Galliard Homes, Ballymore and Battersea Power Station, which was once the UK’s third largest energy generating site and is now home to close to 100 Roam charging bays for its residents. The new Roam brand embodies the company’s vision of enabling drivers to “roam” freely, instilling confidence that drivers can leave behind concerns around “range anxiety” and have access to a reliable EV charging network. “Our mission has always been to provide convenient and hassle-free EV charging at destinations where drivers need them most, and this remains at the heart of everything we do at Roam,” says Roam’s CEO, James Randall. “Our newly energised identity reflects our growth, our values, and our dedication to empowering cleaner, greener communities and accelerating access to an electric future.” “As Roam prepares to expand its reach and bring charging solutions to an even greater number of destinations, our new identity signals our commitment to enable drivers to have an effortless charging experience that fits around their day to day, without the need for detours.” Roam’s national rebrand across their EV charging network takes place from this week, with the first four locations confirmed as Forge Retail Park in Stourbridge, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Saint Asaph, Hilton Hotel in Leicester and Chartham Park Golf & Country Club in West Sussex. All remaining EV chargers will be rebranded throughout 2025. The official rebranding of Roam’s website and app takes place on Tuesday 26th November. Existing registered users will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits Roam offers via their existing accounts with no need to change or update their details. For more information and to find your nearest Roam charging point, visit www.Roamcharging.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by Algeco UK on behalf of GRIDSERVE, which was looking for a building to sit alongside electric vehicle chargers at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage just off the A1 – which was identified as a critical location for volume electric car users. There is no shortage of available charging stations on the site, hosting 30 EV charging bays, including 24 High Power bays with up to 360kW of power – some of the fastest chargers publicly available today, capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. The ground floor of the building has 4,247 sq. ft. of space, and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop to keep drivers busy while their cars are charging. There’s enough space for 30 vehicles including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces. Level two of the building, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space, contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge. Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage containers delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice, and many more. GRIDSERVE is best known for opening the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in 2020 and has since opened Electric Forecourts® in Norwich and London Gatwick Airport. The structure created for GRIDSERVE in Stevenage is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and built at its Carnaby factory. However this is the first of its type for any client with all four sides being curved. Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager for Algeco UK, explained the curved sides of the building created new challenges as it tested the tolerance of the steel used, before finding a solution to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure. He said: “The curves to all four sides of the building pose many challenges with tolerances experienced while curving the hot-rolled frames at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. The external cladding also has to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.” Julian Foster, Chief Operating Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Being able to deliver reliable charging quickly and efficiently helps us on our mission to give drivers the confidence to switch to EV. “However building an Electric Forecourt® is not just about infrastructure; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future. This project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, net zero energy, and a greener world for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV) model on the market today. The Cardiff Shopping Park hub provides a variety of charging options for EV owners. With eight 300kW DC chargers, drivers can add up to 100 miles of range in just 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle and battery capacity. For those planning a longer visit, two slower AC chargers are also available. Osprey Charging now operates the largest number of rapid charge points in Wales, with over 100 in operation. In 2024 so far, the company has installed more than 40 new rapid and ultra-rapid charge points in the region, contributing to better air quality, lower noise pollution and supporting local decarbonisation efforts. This Capital Shopping Park hub reflects Osprey’s ongoing commitment to expanding Wales’ EV infrastructure. With simple payment options that include contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards, this new installation arrives in south Wales just weeks after Osprey opened a hub in the north of the country at Billy Jeans Café in Holywell. Two more rapid charging hubs are also set for launch before the end of the year, underscoring Osprey’s rapid expansion throughout Wales. “We are proud to be at the forefront of Wales’ EV transition,” said Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging. “With over 1,200 charging bays across the UK, including more than 100 charge points in Wales, the opening of our Capital Shopping Park hub in Cardiff is an important step in our mission to provide reliable and accessible rapid charging for all drivers wherever they live. This hub not only helps meet the immediate needs of those with EVs but also plays a crucial role in our broader commitment to building a future-proof network across the UK.” Osprey has a long-standing history of supporting the growth of EV infrastructure in Wales. In 2020, the company partnered with Cardiff Council to install 12 rapid charging stations in Cardiff city centre, marking a pivotal moment in their commitment to regional development. Osprey’s continued investment in the region will ensure that more areas have access to high-quality charging facilities as the country works towards the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. All of Osprey’s charging stations, including those at Capital Shopping Park, are powered by 100% renewable energy. By funding the installation and continuing to oversee the operation and maintenance of the chargers, Osprey ensures charge point reliability for all EV drivers. As a multi-award-winning network, Osprey has been recognized as a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for the fourth consecutive year, with its locations consistently rated highly for safety and accessibility by the independent inspection body ChargeSafe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
