BP Pulse, one of the UK’s leading rapid and ultra-fast EV charging providers, has signed agreements with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate that will see it invest in electric vehicle charging at 14 Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate’s retail park locations across the UK. The first site has already gone live at Lyons Farm (Worthing).
The new charging facilities will provide customers with access to reliable, high-performance charging while visiting popular retail destinations. The additional retail parks that will benefit from the partnership over the coming months include Fountains Retail Park (Tunbridge Wells), Castle Marina Retail Park (Nottingham) and Jubilee Retail Park (Weymouth).
The sites will include a mix of rapid and ultra-fast charging infrastructure. Ultra-fast locations will offer up to 10 ultra-fast and rapid charging bays, while rapid sites will provide two rapid bays each.
Valerio Ferro, general manager, BP Pulse, said: “We’re making it easier than ever for drivers to charge as part of their daily routines. Retail parks are places people already visit to shop, eat and meet, so adding reliable, high-speed charging enhances that experience. Our collaboration with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate brings convenient, future-ready charging to familiar locations, helping make the switch to electric vehicles simpler for everyone.”
Kannika Mall, asset manager for Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, UK, added: “Retail parks are increasingly considered the favoured location for consumers seeking convenient and practical shopping experiences, while accessing the big multiple brands they want and expect. Part of retail parks’ appeal is that EV drivers only pay for their charging as parking is free and accessible. Improving the provision for EV drivers is a key strand of our asset management strategy for the portfolio. It also serves as a further and important step in our pathway to net zero across the UK business by 2050.”
Further retail park locations are under review for future phases of the rollout, with both partners exploring additional opportunities to expand the network.
BP Pulse’s partnership with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate is part of its broader ambition to expand regional coverage and deliver high-quality charging at convenient, high-footfall retail parks. The collaboration also demonstrates BP Pulse’s continued momentum in building out its UK charging network and its interest in partnering with landlords and asset managers to create more convenient, future-ready charging destinations.
