Fleet drivers in Greater Manchester are set to find it easier to recharge their electric vehicles (EVs) after charge point provider Be.EV signed a new strategic partnership with network operator Paua.

The agreement will put 700 more charge points within reach of commercial drivers, expanding the Paua charging network to 1,800 EV connectors in the Greater Manchester area – at least two charge point connections every square mile of which more than 1,000 are high-powered DC chargers (50kW or faster). 

The latest agreement is part of Be.EV’s national expansion plan to install 1,000 charging points by the end of 2024. Currently it has 700 points live in the north of England and beyond.

Paua now provides drivers with access to more than 54,000 charge points at more than 17,000 locations managed by 35-plus charging providers across the UK.

The provider points out that increasing network coverage across all regions of the UK will reduce drivers’ fear of moving to electric, making it easier for businesses to reduce their transport emissions. More charge point connectors reduce operational downtime and improve driver confidence.

Using Paua’s system drivers search for a charger – a partner connector is available at least every 15 miles – then tap the Paua card to recharge their vehicle and get back on the road. Fleet managers can access all their charging data in one place and are presented with a single invoice to simplify their administration.

According to Paua and Be.EV more rural areas remain less well covered for chargers with the lowest densities in Caithness, Northumberland National Park and the North Yorkshire Moors. Be.EV is keen to hear from landowners such as farmers who wish to maximise revenue by installing EV charge hubs on land near busy roads.

Commenting on the agreement Be.EV CEO Asia Ghafoor said that the company is very pleased to be working with Paua which he described as a company which shares Be.EV’s mission to bring EV charging to as many people as possible.

“The transition of fleet vehicles to electric has the power to bring environmental and sustainability benefits to us all and Paua is an important part of that movement – at Be.EV we are constantly looking for new sites to install our community-focused charging sites and will bring them to Paua customers as they go live,” Ghafoor said.  

CEO of Paua Niall Riddell said that Be.EV is demonstrating true leadership in ensuring that electric vehicle drivers are catered for across the country. “Starting in the North and with the backing of Octopus, extending across the UK ensures drivers get access to high-quality, well-priced, reliable and green electricity – we are delighted to be working with Be.EV.”