The Electric Revolution Reaches Retail Parks

British retail and leisure centres are poised for a significant technological upgrade as Be.EV, backed by Octopus Energy Generation, commits £20 million to develop extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure across multiple high-traffic commercial locations. The landmark partnership with Schroders Capital will see the deployment of 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at 22 strategic retail and leisure destinations throughout the United Kingdom.

This substantial investment addresses the growing demand for convenient charging solutions while simultaneously creating valuable new footfall opportunities for retailers. The charging hubs will feature state-of-the-art Kempower technology delivering up to 300kW charging capabilities—sufficient to provide vehicles with 325 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes.

Major retail brands including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, IKEA, and popular food outlets such as Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Nando’s and Pizza Express stand to benefit from this forward-thinking infrastructure development. The strategic placement of these charging facilities promises to transform traditional shopping experiences by attracting a growing demographic of environmentally conscious consumers.

Driving Commercial Benefits

The commercial rationale behind this extensive charging network deployment extends well beyond environmental considerations. Recent survey data reveals 57% of drivers utilising public charging facilities spend time shopping or visiting cafés during charging sessions. This behavioural pattern creates natural synergies between charging infrastructure and retail environments.

With new electric vehicle registrations projected to increase by 31% in 2025, retailers positioned near charging facilities stand to capture growing consumer segments. The arrangement offers visitors practical utility during necessary charging periods while simultaneously extending dwell time at retail locations—a crucial metric for commercial property performance.

The majority of these charging hubs will feature between six and twelve charging bays, strategically positioned to maximise convenience without disrupting existing traffic flows. This careful balance ensures optimal utilisation while maintaining accessibility for all visitors.

Long-term financial sustainability

Financial arrangements underpinning this partnership demonstrate strong confidence in the longevity of electric vehicle adoption. The charging facilities will operate under 20-year lease agreements with index-linked market rents, providing Schroders Capital clients with dependable, inflation-protected revenue streams.

This structure reflects growing recognition among commercial property managers that EV charging infrastructure represents more than an amenity—it constitutes a viable asset class capable of generating sustainable returns. The long-term commitment from both organisations underscores the maturity of EV charging as an investment proposition.

Legal agreements have already been exchanged for the initial three locations, with additional sites progressing rapidly through final stages of approval. This phased implementation approach enables continuous refinement of the deployment model while maintaining momentum across the broader portfolio.

Strategic positioning for evolving consumer needs

The partnership between Be.EV and Schroders Capital exemplifies how commercial property managers can proactively adapt to changing consumer expectations and behaviours. By embedding charging capabilities directly into retail environments, these locations gain competitive advantages over traditional shopping destinations lacking similar facilities.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, highlighted the strategic significance of the agreement: “This landmark deal will help the big brands who occupy the retail parks in Schroders portfolio benefit from the increased footfall benefits EV charging brings.”

The project strengthens Be.EV’s position as a nationwide charging infrastructure provider while demonstrating how property portfolios can evolve to meet emerging market needs. This approach to asset enhancement recognises the growing importance of sustainability features in determining commercial property valuations.

Alignment with environmental targets

Beyond commercial considerations, the project supports broader environmental objectives. Matthew Baddeley, Lead Asset Manager at Schroders Capital, emphasised this dual purpose: “Improving the UK electric charging network is essential in supporting the UK’s energy transition goals, whilst it also aligns with our own net zero targets.”

This alignment between commercial strategy and environmental responsibility reflects growing recognition that sustainable infrastructure development delivers both immediate operational benefits and long-term strategic value. The project serves as a tangible demonstration of how retail destinations can contribute meaningfully to national decarbonisation efforts while simultaneously enhancing their commercial proposition.

For retail occupiers, these facilities represent an opportunity to associate their brands with progressive environmental initiatives without requiring direct capital investment. The third-party ownership model allows retailers to benefit from customer goodwill generated by charging facilities while avoiding technological obsolescence risks.