bp pulse expands EV charging at UK retail parks
Partnership with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate brings rapid and ultra-fast chargers to 14 retail park sites as part of a wider push to support everyday EV use.
bp pulse and Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments began rolling out electric vehicle charging facilities across 14 UK retail park locations, marking a new phase in the expansion of public charging at high-footfall destinations.
The first site is now live at Lyons Farm in Worthing, with further locations scheduled to follow in the coming months. Planned sites include Castle Marina Retail Park in Nottingham, Fountains Retail Park in Tunbridge Wells and Jubilee Retail Park in Weymouth.
Under the agreements, bp pulse invests in a mix of rapid and ultra-fast charging infrastructure designed to fit into routine shopping and leisure trips. Ultra-fast sites provide up to 10 charging bays, while rapid locations offer two bays, supporting shorter dwell times at retail parks.
“We’re making it easier than ever for drivers to charge as part of their daily routines. Retail parks are places people already visit to shop, eat and meet, so adding reliable, high-speed charging enhances that experience," Valerio Ferro, general manager at bp pulse.
For Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, the partnership aligns convenience for customers with longer-term sustainability goals. Kannika Mall, Asset Manager for Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate UK, said: “Improving the provision for EV drivers is a key strand of our asset management strategy for the portfolio.”
The company also views the rollout as part of its pathway to achieving net zero emissions across its UK real estate portfolio by 2050.
