WARRINGTON Council has partnered with electric vehicle charging network Be.EV to install three new electric car chargers at The Forge Shopping Centre in Stockton Heath.

Switched on and now available for public use, the installation marks Be.EV’s first project in Warrington and is part of a larger rollout by Warrington Council and Be.EV to boost the borough’s rapid charging provision.

The project sees Warrington join the largest public EV charging network connecting communities across the North of England and boasts impressive reliability (99.6% operational availability across the entire network).

The new charging hub at The Forge is home to three rapid chargers which can charge a typical EV to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour, compared to 4-6 hours on a 7kW fast charger. This means a rapid charger can charge up a car while customers are shopping or having a meal nearby.

Rapid charging technology allows more shoppers’ cars to be charged in a day and become free again more quickly for the next person – a key factor in ensuring a smooth and convenient charging experience.

Since launching Warrington’s Climate Emergency Commission in 2019, the Council has invested in an extensive network of ‘fast’ chargers to support EV uptake across the borough. The council is now expanding its network by installing more public rapid and ultra-rapid (the fastest charger technologies) to meet increasing on-the-go charging needs and driver demand.

The partnership with Be.EV is a key driver of this strategy, bringing more public rapid charging opportunities to the area.

Be.EV undertook all up-front installation and operating costs for The Forge’s new hub. With projects across the UK, the provider is seeking further sites in Warrington to bolster the area’s network.