Electric vehicle (EV) chargers create an “opportunity” for stores to earn extra revenue, according to operator Osprey, following its latest tie-up with East of England Co-op.

Last month, the firm announced it would be launching two ultra-rapid charge points at East of England Co-op Burnham-on-Crouch, with a further seven sites to follow over coming months.

The 150kW charge points are dual charging, compatible with every EV on the market and typically add 100 miles of range in around 15 minutes.

East of England Co-op’s building and environmental compliance manager, Steven Fendley, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Osprey to provide more electric vehicle charging stations at our stores. We are dedicated to helping customers and communities to move over to electric vehicles and with our industry partners we are reviewing all our sites for suitability for EV charging.

“The new rapid-charging points are easy to use and offer customers a convenient opportunity to charge their vehicle while doing their shopping, or alternatively pick up a drink and something to eat whilst getting a needed charge.”

When asked about the importance of ensuring access to EV chargers is convenient, Osprey’s commercial director, Andrew Nosworthy, explained: “Convenience is a key consideration when it comes to planning and building charging sites. We look at businesses like East of England Co-op as a great opportunity to install chargers at locations that drivers can enjoy charging at.

“By providing the driver the means to incorporate charging into their daily life, we can significantly enhance the useability of EVs and maximise opportunities to charge. In this instance, we’re enabling EV drivers to pick up some shopping whilst they re-charge their EV.”

Nosworthy went on to reveal the benefits to stores of having EV charging points available.

“The availability of reliable, high-powered charging helps to generate footfall and the number of customers shopping at the site, which of course generates increased levels of revenue,” he explained.

“Retailers also benefit from earning revenue from the chargers. With many businesses now focusing on their sustainability practices, installing rapid EV charging points of retail sites supports retailers in achieving their environmental, social and governance targets, and helps fulfil their sustainability requirements.”

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