JW Lees collaborates with Be.EV for EV charging installations across North West pubs.
- The £1.8m deal aims to enhance EV charging infrastructure at key locations.
- Seven locations already operational, with more set for installations in 2025.
- The initiative supports local EV drivers and adheres to new building regulations.
- The partnership offers a model for other hospitality venues.
JW Lees, a renowned brewer and pub operator, has embarked on a significant partnership with Be.EV to upgrade electric vehicle charging facilities at various pub locations. The collaboration involves a £1.8 million investment to install ultra-rapid EV charging stations, enhancing the infrastructure across the North West.
Currently, 22 charging bays have been successfully installed at seven key sites. Locations like The Urmston in Stretford and The Millgate in Failsworth, among others, are now equipped to serve local and visiting electric vehicle drivers. Be.EV’s research highlights that a majority of EV drivers consider convenience crucial when it comes to charging facilities.
The initiative not only ensures compliance with upcoming regulations—requiring new non-residential buildings with a significant number of parking spaces to provide EV charging—but also aligns with the trends of modern transportation needs. This move positions JW Lees as a forward-thinking player in the hospitality sector, setting a precedent for others.
Upgrades at The Aviator in Stockport, which now features six ultra-rapid charging bays instead of the previous four slow-charging ones, exemplify this progress. The improved stations can add up to 165 miles of range in just 20 minutes, significantly reducing waiting times for patrons at these pubs.
Looking ahead, additional sites like The Pointing Dog in Cheadle and The Moss Trooper in Altrincham are scheduled for charger installations in early 2025. Such developments highlight JW Lees’ commitment to modernising their operations and accommodating evolving customer expectations.
Be.EV bears the cost of installation and maintenance, sharing revenue with landowners, which presents an attractive financial proposition for pubs. This is particularly important in an era where economic pressures are mounting, making alternative income streams increasingly valuable.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, remarked on the importance of regional partnerships in bolstering local areas, praising the collaboration as a strategic step to meet customer needs. William Lees-Jones, managing director at JW Lees, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of reliable and accessible EV charging options for patrons.
This partnership sets a benchmark in aligning the hospitality sector with sustainable transport solutions.
