Metrocentre supports visitors to drive electric with new electric vehicle charge points.
- As a pledge to EV drivers of the UK, Metrocentre have replaced old electric vehicle (EV) chargers with new, future-proofed models.
- National charging experts, Zest have supported Metrocentre to upgrade their old equipment.
Metrocentre, which attracts 20 million shoppers each year, has partnered with EV charging experts Zest, to replace outdated electric vehicle chargers with brand new models.
As figures show that the market share of plug-in vehicles has risen nationally to 13.8% of all registrations this year, we wanted to ensure that the ever-growing number of EV drivers can charge whilst they shop.
Metrocentre was one of the first destinations in the North East to provide electric vehicle charging for their visitors with charge points on-site since 2012. As technology has improved, it was our desire to upgrade the outdated equipment which were no longer providing a reliable service to visitors. Replacing the legacy chargers with brand new equipment, alongside a comprehensive maintenance package, ensures a dependable charging infrastructure for shoppers.
With visitors spending an average of 2hrs in the shopping centre, they can charge with confidence, returning to their car with vital miles added to their range.
The brand new dual chargers will be installed in the yellow and green car parks. This is part of Metrocentre’s plan to encourage sustainable travel to the destination which includes a longer-term roll-out of charging infrastructure in the future.
Gavin Prior, Centre Director, commented: “The installation of the new charging points will help us future-proof the provision of charging units at the Centre. As electric car ownership increases it is important that we continue to invest in our EV infrastructure to meet demand.
“We are currently in negotiations to significantly increase the provision of charging units and will announce details of our new solar charging project in the coming months. These projects are an integral part of our long-term strategy for the centre which focusses on sustainability and our place in the community.”
The current project is for 28 twin port charge points to be installed this year. This does not include the solar canopy chargers (a separate project). In total it represents one of the largest charge point installations in the region, and possibly the largest of any retail site in the UK.
There will be a mix of fast (AC) and rapid (DC) chargers. Fast chargers will make up the majority, offering the lowest charging price at a speed best suited to the typical length of stay for shoppers at Metrocentre. A 22kW Fast charger adds around 90 miles in an hour. There will also be two Rapid charging ports for shorter stays, which will fully charge most cars in well under one hour.
Find out more details about the Electric Charging service.
