There is a new player in the all-electric forecourt space. We visit E-Veezy, which has made its debut near Gatwick Airport.
The Northwood Park, Manor Royal, Crawley charging hub combines a Sainsbury’s Local with a standalone Greggs, and 27 ultra-rapid, wide charging bays – including eight dedicated bays for long-wheelbase commercial vans. There are nearly 30 more spaces for cars to park for a maximum of 90 minutes.
Located in an industrial part of town, next to a private medical centre, it had a steady trickle of van drivers and solo women customers when we visited mid-morning on the Thursday of the May school half-term.
It is a format which the oil companies have been dipping their toes in – Shell first with its recently relaunched Fulham forecourt, and BP following its competitor’s initial launch in January 2022, at Hammersmith several years later.
Gridserve, which opened its first all-electric site in December 2020, is about to open its fifth all-electric forecourt. It operates one with a Little Fresh shop at Gatwick Airport, which is popular with Uber and other ride-share drivers.
Now property developers Sixpenny Group and Arcus-PCD have joined the fray with their E-Veezy format, which stands out with its considered landscaping, an outside “pocket park” seating area, and Greggs with three tables.
According to the E-Veezy website, the partners have announced that they are on the lookout to acquire or lease land to roll-out further electric forecourts, following the template of the first site.
They say: “Manor Royal is just the beginning. E‑Veezy is actively securing new sites across Greater London and the South of England.”
They add: ”We are focused on being a true partner to local communities and businesses with the ability to partner and deliver top level brands. Our vision is simple, to become the most reliable, reasonable, safe and accessible rapid charging hub provider.”
Accessible roadside locations, sites near major commuter routes, transport hubs, and retail and business parks are on their hit list. The requirement is space for 10 to 30 charging bays, and the potential for power upgrades.
Undoubtedly, the trick for all-electric locations to work is to entice customers to spend in the store, with a strong enough offer to attract a wide a range of customers, regardless of whether they are electric car drivers.
The Sainsbury’s Local – open seven days a week 7am to 11pm – presents well with its strong chilled range, including ingredients for meals for tonight, such as beef steaks, chicken fillets, and meatballs, as well as a big display of fresh produce.
There is a Costa machine, and a meal deal promotion the length of the store spanning the hot food counter, and run of fridges. The store has a two-door freezer with readymade Yorkshire puddings, chips, mixed vegetables, and ice cubes. And there is an impressive chilled beer and wine display.
The store has a disabled toilet, solar panels and four self-checkouts. It is stylish and airy with an exposed ceiling and faux herringbone flooring.
The 24-hour forecourt itself is well-lit, with CCTV and most of the 200kW and 400kW Alpitronic chargers under a canopy, which again is fitted with solar panels. There is also an air and screenwash machine, and a cycle shed.
Plenty benches, trees and planting help create an inviting atmosphere to tempt those seeking a top up shop or coffee, as well as somewhere to charge their car. Plenty of touches make it welcoming for cyclists and pedestrians as well as those on four wheels.
