GeniePoint charger

EV charging company Engie has secured a contract to deliver 1,000 high power electric vehicle charging points across Premier Inn hotels, in what is claimed to be the biggest roll-out of high power EV chargers in the UK hospitality sector.

Whitbread – owner of the Premier Inn hotels, as well as Beefeater and Brewers’ Fayre restaurants – has appointed Engie to install high-power GeniePoint charging points nationwide, with 600 committed across 300 hotels over the next three years.

Access to the charging points will be for guests, as well as members of the public using the GeniePoint Network – one of the largest national EV networks. The company will install 50kW-plus chargers that can replenish electric cars in 30 minutes.

Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Electric vehicles are key to our plans to cut emissions, build back greener and kick start a green industrial revolution across the country.

“Just as the government is accelerating efforts to support EV and battery manufacturing in the UK, we must also ensure the public can access high-power charging points at their convenience.

“This fantastic initiative between two great companies will allow for stress-free electric vehicle charging when we are able to visit our favourite pubs and restaurants again, allowing consumers to charge up in record time, while encouraging others to make that all important switch to electric.”

Sam Hockman, divisional CEO – Futures at Engie UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Whitbread to deliver this major roll-out of high-speed EV infrastructure – bringing together two businesses from different backgrounds, both embracing a net zero future.

“A big factor for drivers considering the switch to EV is access to a broader range of charging options. This significant investment at Premier Inn sites will provide hundreds of new, convenient charging locations across the UK and also give customers access to Engie’s wider GeniePoint network.

“This important move by Whitbread highlights the key role the hospitality sector can play to support not only the uptake of EVs, but also the UK’s wider commitment to become net zero by 2050.”

Simon Leigh, procurement director at Premier Inn, said: “Electric vehicles are one of the ways in which the UK strives for a greener future and we’re pleased to help drive this goal forward with what we believe is the UK’s biggest roll-out of rapid charging points to date.

“We know that range anxiety is a real concern for many of our guests who own electric cars. Knowing that in many locations they will soon be able to arrive and have access to a high-speed charge point to quickly refuel their car while they relax and refuel themselves will be a great source of comfort.

“A combination of our excellent locations and guests being able to wake up knowing they can safely get back on the road again means Premier Inn and Engie are the perfect partners for these charge points.”

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, the joint government and industry campaign to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, commented: “Premier Inn’s announcement is an exciting commitment that will contribute to ensuring more and more people around the country have access to charging infrastructure.

”The UK already enjoys access to one of Europe’s most comprehensive charging networks, with over 37,000 public chargepoint connectors at more than 13,600 locations across the UK. The network is set to go from strength-to-strength as continued investment from both private companies and the government enables rapid expansion, making it even easier for electric motorists to top up wherever they are.”

Engie will begin installing the chargers in March, with the first scheduled in Enfield, London.

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