Chargepoint firm Raw Charging has opened its latest EV charging hub at an East London retail park owned by investment firm Aberdeen Group, echoing a deal from earlier in the month that saw Raw open a hub at a shopping centre owned by Aviva.
Raw focuses on charging at hospitality, leisure and retail locations, rather than building standalone hubs. The company is majority owned by French private equity firm Antin Infrastructure Partners, which has £29bn of assets under management.
The 65-acre Gallions Reach shopping centre is home to brands including Boots, Next and Tesco. It opened in 2003 and was purchased for £208m in 2006 by Standard Life Investments, who later merged with Aberdeen, which has £542bn of assets under management.
The new Raw hub comprises eight bays served by four chargers, with electricity delivered at speeds up to 150kW.
Raw is giving away free charging sessions at Gallions Reach from Friday, November 28, to Monday, December 1 to drivers signing up to the firm’s Rewards programme.
Jason Simpson, Raw’s chief executive, says his firm is dedicated ”to delivering the very best charging experience” and that “working in partnership with leading property owners” allows it to encourage the uptake of electric cars.
Gary Sleator, a senior asset manager with Aberdeen, says the new charging hub “enhances the visitor experience” and “supports our commitment to sustainability”.
