BP Chargemaster to install almost 200 rapid chargers at Mitchells & Butlers’ sites

After several successful trial locations Mitchells & Butlers has agreed to a nationwide rollout of BP Chargemaster rapid charging points at up to 200 pubs and restaurants, adding many of their ideally located businesses to the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging network.

With up to 50 installations expected by October 2019, the nationwide rollout at Mitchells & Butlers sites will help to enable even more motorists to make the switch to an electric vehicle and make driving with zero emissions even easier. The rapid chargers will be installed with investment from BP Chargemaster, which has the largest public charging in the country, operating over 450 rapid chargers and a total of more than 7,000 charging points available for electric vehicle drivers nationwide.

The Ultracharge 50kW rapid chargers will operate on the Polar network, which is backed with 100% renewable electricity, and will be available to use on either a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis.

Richard Turner, Head of Supplier Management at Mitchells & Butlers, said: “After a successful trial at a number of our businesses we're very excited to roll out BP Chargemaster electric vehicle rapid charging points across wide areas of our estate. We recognise the importance of providing somewhere for EV users to charge their cars, whilst also giving them the opportunity to stop off for a coffee, or even a bite to eat, which is how our pubs and restaurants will play a vital part. With a large number of our sites being located either on or near main roads, we will be able to provide prime locations for an EV owner to charge their car.”

David Newton, Chief Operating Officer of BP Chargemaster, said: “We are very proud to be working with Mitchells & Butlers, which has many of the best-loved restaurant and pub brands in the UK. These new 50kW rapid chargers will making driving an EV across the country even easier, providing a great opportunity for drivers to enjoy a break on a long journey. At this stage in the market, we are seeing electric vehicle drivers actively seek out locations that offer convenient charging, so we also expect to deliver additional footfall to sites that host our rapid chargers.”

BP Chargemaster also announced that they will be equipping all their new 50kW rapid and 150kW ultra-fast chargers on the Polar network with contactless payment, and also will retrofit all 50kW Ultracharge units with this technology over the next 12 months.