BP Pulse, the EV Network (EVN) and the NEC Group have opened a public electric vehicle charging center at the NEC campus in the West Midlands. Called the Gigahub, BP said in a press release that it is the largest facility of its kind in the UK.
“This is the largest private investment in electric charging in the UK and is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s role as a leader in green industries,” said RT Hon Jeremy Hunt MP. “The innovative site will be an important transportation hub for the future and marks an important step in our rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the country.”
The Gigahub, according to BP, will help cater for the seven million visitors the NEC campus attracts annually, along with a wide range of other road users who make up the area’s average annual traffic count of 60 million. Accessed via the main NEC campus via the road, the hub is less than a mile from junction 6 of the M42 and just 2.4 miles from junction 7A of the M6.
Capable of charging 180 EVs simultaneously, the Gigahub features 16 x 300 KW ultra-fast DC chargers, two of which are accessible designated bays, BP noted, adding that these ultra-fast chargers are capable of charging 30 EVs simultaneously. The site also has a further 150 points for 7KW charging, including additional designated accessible bays, BP said.
EV Network (EVN), as an investor in this multi-million pound project, designed, developed and built the Electric Vehicle Charging Gigahub after signing a long-term contract with the NEC Group to deliver the charging infrastructure of electric vehicles across campus and work with BP. dust in various projects launched throughout 2023.
BP Pulse worked closely with EV Network to ensure Gigahub provides the best possible experience for its customers, BP said. As one of the UK’s largest charging point operators, it said it will use its expertise to operate the new centre.
The NEC Group’s strategic involvement provides the essential foundation for the project: the land, BP noted.
“We are proud to contribute to the UK Government’s EV infrastructure strategy. Working in partnership with EVN and BP Pulse, the opening of our EV Charging Center provides customers on campus with NEC, to travelers and those working for local regional or national businesses, a reliable and convenient way to recharge and support a lower carbon future of travel,” Paul. Thandi CBE, DL Chair of the NEC Group, said.
To contact the author, please email andreson.n.paul@gmail.com
