Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Infrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Manchester’s Be.EV ‘Oasis’ gets go-ahead

Manchester City Council has approved electric vehicle charging network Be.EV to build the city’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) charging ‘Oasis’.

The project will see the charging provider transform an old former petrol station site on the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road into a green forecourt and community hub. 

The site will include commercial space for local businesses and provide ultra-rapid charging for 16 electric vehicles, including accessible and van-suitable spaces, as well as secure charging for electric bicycles.

The site’s 16 ultra-rapid chargers will charge a typical EV in ten minutes, compared to four to six hours on a 7kW fast charger. 

It marks the first of the company’s next generation ‘Oasis’ project, with further locations planned across the country.

Trees and biodiversity form an integral part of the site’s design too, with a wildflower garden forming a natural boundary along one side of the site. Other planted areas throughout will include herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses. The site has committed to a “net-biodiversity uplift”, to bring nature back into the area.

Solar panels will be included to further improve the carbon footprint of the development, by providing clean-energy for the operation of the commercial space. The retail building and forecourt roof will feature a biodiverse planting of native British species, specifically selected for the region. Mature trees will surround the charging ring and dominate the design, bringing with them further animal & birdlife to the site.

The chargers will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, ensuring the move to a totally green transport system is achieved.

Be.EV CEO Asif Ghafoor said: “Our plan for Reliance Street is truly innovative and reflects Be.EV’s ambition to lead the way in reimagining public infrastructure – creating great charging experiences for today and for the future.

“We worked with the talented team at Architect That to design a site that is not only functional but delivers regeneration in the local area, looks fantastic, and responds to the needs of the local community as it offers so much more than just charging. 

“These sites will absorb carbon and clean the air whilst providing EV drivers with a calm, green environment to relax in while they’re charging. The site is also designed to maximise the number of charging bays to accelerate equitable access to the future of electric vehicles.”

Executive Member for Environment and Transport for Manchester City Council, Cllr Tracey Rawlins said: “This is one element of a wide range of sustainable transport options in Manchester that are making it easier than ever for our residents to move away from conventional cars.

“This includes significant investment in active travel across the city, alongside new walking and cycling routes in the city centre, and a move towards a fully integrated public transport system. Together they underpin our commitment to increasing the number of people who choose to travel by a sustainable means.”

Image courtesy of Be.EV

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