Marston’s Inns and Taverns is to become the first UK pub company to roll out rapid electric vehicle chargers after announcing plans to work with Engenie to install 400 at sites nationwide.
The 50kW chargers will allow up to three cars to charge at each site simultaneously and will be powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Marston’s, which has an estate of over 1,600 pubs across the UK, says the installations will provide the building blocks for a nationwide network of rapid chargers.
Andy Kershaw, head of facilities management and projects at the independent chain, said: “Our goal is to become the UK’s most environmentally efficient pub business. By partnering with innovative and customer-focused organisations like Engenie, we’ll continue to hold ourselves and the sector to the highest possible environmental standards.”
The chargers will be provided by SWARCO eVolt, offering contactless payment for ease of use and are compatible with all EVs currently on the market.
Justin Meyer, general manager at SWARCO eVolt, said: “Marston’s is a forward-thinking company that puts its customers first. Engenie, with its customer-centred aporoach, is the perfect fit for Marston’s and we are delighted to have been selected as their chosen solution provider.
Patrick Sherriff, business development director for Engenie, added: “Our national network of rapid chargers is having a significant positive impact on local air quality; another feather in the cap of Marston’s’ already impressive long-term environmental commitments. At the same time, our easy-to-use rapid EV charging points will put the customer at the centre of the EV transition.”
The roll out will contribute to the company’s plans to grow its network to 1,500 rapid chargers by 2021 following investment from Investec, and follows a deal with M7 Real Estate to install rapid chargers across its out-of-town retail warehouse portfolio.