Raw Charging, which specialises in ‘destination’ chargers at retail and leisure locations, has announced a partnership with commercial property firm Landsec that will see it install over 1,000 new charging bays at locations including Bluewater shopping centre.
The project, described as “a major step forward in the UK’s EV infrastructure”, will see 554 AC fast (sub-50kW) chargers and 446 DC rapid (50kW+) devices installed at 28 locations owned by Landsec including Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, and Brighton Marina. Bluewater will play host to the UK’s largest destination hub when Raw’s work there is complete.
Raw Charging has existing partnerships with National Trust, and Merlin Entertainment, the company that owns Legoland and other attractions to host its chargers. In 2022 the company received a £150m investment from French private equity firm Antin Infrastructure Partners.
Landsec, meanwhile, is the UK’s largest commercial property and development firm, owning around £11bn worth of offices and shopping centres, with major shareholders including Blackrock, and Legal & General.
Neil Broadbank, Raw’s chief commercial officer comments: “Our EV charging hubs give customers confidence to recharge on arrival, enhancing their experience and keeping them on-site longer. This investment goes beyond infrastructure -– it’s about connecting amazing places and supporting the UK’s transition to cleaner, greener transport.”
Ben Padley, Landsec’s head of consumer, says: “As more drivers switch to electric, retail destinations like ours have a clear responsibility to make charging simple, accessible and part of everyday life.”
