bp pulse has signed an agreement with Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments to install EV charging infrastructure at 14 retail park locations across the UK.
The first site is now operational at Lyons Farm in Worthing (BN14 9LA), where bp pulse has installed two rapid charge points delivering up to 50 kW, with both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors available.
Further locations due to benefit from the partnership in the coming months include Castle Marina Retail Park (Nottingham), Fountains Retail Park (Tunbridge Wells) and Jubilee Retail Park (Weymouth), with additional retail park sites also under review as part of later phases.
The move is the latest example of charging networks targeting destination charging locations, where drivers can top up while shopping or eating, rather than making a dedicated stop solely to charge. Retail parks are also typically easier to retrofit at pace than on-street locations, with more predictable parking arrangements and fewer constraints around access and civil works.
Many high profile shopping destinations already include extensive EV charging infrastructure, including Ashford Designer Outlet and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, Westfield London and Stratford, as well as Manchester’s Trafford, which is set to be home to one of Europe’s largest EV charging hubs.
Under the agreement between bp pulse and Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Investments, the sites will include a mix of rapid and ultra-fast charging infrastructure. bp pulse said 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 at bp pulse, commented, “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 Investments brings convenient, future-ready charging to familiar locations, helping make the switch to electric vehicles simpler for everyone.”
For Columbia Threadneedle, the rollout is being positioned as part of a broader retail park strategy that responds to changing consumer behaviour, while also aligning with longer-term sustainability targets.
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.”
