British multinational retailer M&S is partnering with UK’s largest EV charging network BP Pulse to construct 900 fast charging points for electric vehicles at 70 retail locations nationwide for the following two years, as reported by Electric Car Report.
“At M&S we’re reshaping the business for sustainable future growth in every sense. From our award-winning Shwopping initiative to our Fill Your Own refill concept, EV charging is the latest feature to ensure we have a store estate fit for the future, to help our customers live lower carbon lives. We know that services like EV charging are in demand from our customers, so we’re delighted to be offering this service and give more reasons for customers to shop with us.”
M&S’ director of operations Sacha Berendji
Roll-out plan
The partners will deploy a combination of ultra-fast (≥150kW) and rapid (≥50kW) charge outlets at M&S’ 70 retail stores. By doing this, customers can choose between the two depending on their demand.
After the successful pilot installations, 15 rapid (50kW) charge points are already operational and accessible to the general public at M&S Maidstone Eclipse and Southgate.
Benefits
The project is expected to expand UK’s charging network by installing an additional charging capacity of 40,000 kWh to the country’s EV infrastructure.
As for the partners, BP Pulse’s EV charging network gets further boosted despite being already at the top among UK’s EV charging business. Apart from that, the company continues to be a significant force that aids the country in achieving its net zero emission targets.
“We aim to provide fast, reliable, and convenient EV charging to our customers that fits in with their busy lifestyles and so, we are excited to extend our relationship with M&S to put high-speed charge points at their stores, growing our network even further. This is exactly the kind of collaboration the UK needs to help accelerate the transition to lower carbon transport and we’re delighted to be working with M&S to make that happen.”
BP Pulse CEO Akira Kirton
Meanwhile, M&S could use this opportunity to promote its brand as a green energy supporter, which could boost its sales. It would also aid its customers with electric vehicles to charge while they shop in its retail stores. Furthermore, it would help the company achieve its net zero emission target by 2040.
It is worth noting that these two companies have already partnered in a 2005 project that introduced M&S Food stores at BP retail locations. Now, they are achieving even greater things while supporting the switch to clean mobility.
