Be.EV opens first NatWest-backed charging hub in the UK
EV charging network Be.EV has opened its first ultra-rapid charging hub, backed by £55 million of financing from NatWest.
The site, located at the Hulme Retail Park in Greater Manchester has six fast chargers capable of providing EV drivers with up to 165 miles of range in 20 minutes.
Despite strong EV uptake around the UK, England’s North West is relatively poorly served by public charging, with just 60 devices per 100,000 people, compared with a national average of 89 per 100,000.
The Hulme site adds to Be.EV’s growing network of 750 live charging bays across the UK. It will also help the North West cement its status as the region with the fastest growing demand for EVs in the UK since 2021.
Asif Ghafoor, Be.EV CEO said: “This new site in the south of Manchester highlights the power of collaboration, with our deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank paving the way for the efficient expansion of ultra-rapid, reliable EV charging.
“This trailblazing partnership demonstrates how public sector vision, private expertise, and backing from national banks can make a real impact—accelerating the nationwide roll-out of EV infrastructure and bringing charging solutions to communities that need them most.
The Hulme site is a prime example, joining a growing network of Be.EV hubs in key locations like retail parks. These hubs not only serve local communities and EV drivers but also support retailers by driving increased footfall, showing how well-placed infrastructure can benefit both shoppers and businesses alike.”
The £55m funding for Be.Ev from NatWest and Germany’s KfW IPEX-Bank was announced in 2024. Be.EV is backed by £110m from Octopus Energy Generation, and aims to each to reach 1,600 charging sites across the UK by the end of 2025.
