Marston’s Inns and Taverns, the UK’s leading independent and pub retailing business, today unveils a partnership with rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging network Engenie to become the UK’s first pub company to roll out rapid chargers across sites nationwide.
The move – which will see the installation of 400 rapid EV chargers, powered by 100% renewable energy and allowing up to three cars to charge at each site at any one time – will provide the building blocks for a nationwide network of rapid chargers.
Andy Kershaw, head of facilities management and projects, Marston’s, 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.”
Marston’s Inns and Taverns, which has an estate of over 1,600 pubs across the UK, makes the announcement off the back of industry-first environmental initiatives, including recently achieving its zero-waste-to-landfill goal, two years ahead of schedule.
Engenie’s rapid charging points are simple to use, require no membership or connection fee and operate with all contactless payment cards. Each 50kW charger is compatible with all EVs on the market today and provides an 80% charge in just 30-60min (depending on the battery).
Patrick Sherriff, Business Development Director, Engenie, said: “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.”
In a further commitment to maximising the accessibility and usability of its rapid charging network, Engenie has partnered with SWARCO eVolt to offer some of the most reliable charging hardware on the market. The Raption 50 Rapid Charger is considered the industry’s most advanced charging solution. SWARCO is also providing the sophisticated E.CONNECT back office service, that offers a consistent level of high customer satisfaction and dedicated service support throughout the UK.
Justin Meyer, General Manger, 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. Engenie’s decision to work with SWARCO eVolt is testament to the high quality products and services that we offer our customers.”
The announcement follows closely behind another high-profile partnership, which sees Engenie’s rapid chargers installed across M7 Real Estate’s entire out-of-town retail warehouse portfolio. The two partnerships form part of a development plan involving a number of high profile partners that will enable Engenie to grow its network to 1500 rapid chargers by 2021, following significant investment from Investec.
Sherriff added: “Partnering with household names like Marston’s to offer rapid EV charging is a huge boost to our ambition of building a UK-wide public rapid charging network. Marston’s’ pubs and restaurants are the ideal setting for our rapid chargers, giving drivers the convenience of charging their EV while they stop to eat, check emails or take a break from their journeys. At the same time contributing locally to cleaner air for their family customer base.”
