- Decathlon partners with Be.EV for ultra-rapid EV charging at selected UK stores.
- Kempower chargers promise an 80% charge in 20 minutes, enhancing efficiency.
- The collaboration supports Decathlon’s Transition 2026 plan for a 20% CO2 reduction and sets a precedent for sustainable choices in retail.
Be.EV expands destination offering for ultra-rapid EV charging with Decathalon partnership
Decathlon, a popular sporting goods provider, has made it’s move into the EV charging arena. The company has partnered with Manchester-based charging network Be.EV to introduce ultra-rapid EV charging at selected stores across the UK. This marks Decathlon’s inaugural collaboration with a public charging network.
The first site will be in Stockport, one of the largest Decathalon sites in the UK. The ambitious plan involves installing 16 ultra-rapid charging bays at this location. Construction is already underway, and the charging hub is expected to be completed by April 2024.
Be.EV’s cutting-edge Kempower chargers will play a pivotal role in this initiative, offering a remarkable 80% charge in just 20 minutes. This is a substantial improvement compared to the 4-6 hours required by a standard 7kW fast charger. These chargers align seamlessly with Decathlon’s customer dwell time of approximately 30 minutes.
The Kempower chargers also feature unique load-balancing capabilities, ensuring intelligent distribution of energy supply between vehicles based on capacity and demand. This not only enhances efficiency but also provides a more convenient charging experience for users.
As part of Decathlon’s Transition 2026 plan, aiming for a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2026, this partnership signifies a commitment to responsible practices. Chris Allen, UK Sustainability & Circular Economy Leader at Decathlon, emphasized that introducing ultra-rapid EV charging solutions aligns with their mission to champion people and planet-positive solutions.
Be.EV, backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, is on a mission to sustainably accelerate the UK’s EV revolution by installing reliable chargers throughout the country.
Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, commented:
“We’re pleased to be partnering with such a high-profile partner to deliver their EV strategy. Decathlon customers deserve reliable EV charging, and our state-of-the-art charging infrastructure will bring high-quality charging to sites across the UK.”
We’ve seen an increasing number of EV charging partnerships with destination owners and retail sites of late. This could be the new way forward for charge point operators. Be.EV and Decathlon are paving the way for a future where sustainable choices seamlessly integrate into everyday activities.
