Family brewer and pub company Wells & Co. have announced the installation of their first 23 rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points at seven of their sites in the UK. The 170-strong pub estate have teamed up with Osprey Charging Network to build and run the installations. The partnership will see an initial 12 rapid charging locations created (totalling almost 50 rapid charge points) across the Wells & Co. estate, including three high-power charging hubs.
The first seven sites comprise three 75kW rapid chargers apiece at:
- d’Parys Hotel, Bedford (pictured)
- The Chequers Inn, Knebworth
- Old White Horse, Baldock
- The Swan Inn, Milton Keynes
- Kings Arms, Newport Pagnell
Two are also installed at Cottage Inn, Kenilworth, and an ultra-rapid 6-charger hub will go live imminently at The Eaton Oak, St Neot’s.
They will be some of the fastest charging in the areas and the first of many for Wells & Co, as the family brewery look to expand this service for their customers across the country. A typical electric vehicle can fully charge in 25-45min, drivers can pay with a contactless bank card, and every charge point is also powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Nick Wells, Head of Estates and fifth-generation family member said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Osprey. We will be working with both our managed houses and our pub partners to help support a widespread network across the country for electric vehicle drivers. Wells are committed to our Triple Bottom Line Philosophy that balances people, planet and profit, and this is just one of many initiatives underway in our business“.
Sustainability Manager Ed Robinson added, “The thought of our customers enjoying a great meal in a great pub whilst reducing their impact on the environment has us all excited.”
Osprey were the first charge point operator to roll-out a major hospitality charging network, starting back in 2018 with Marston’s, and therefore have a strong track record in delivery and understanding the unique considerations and advantages of these locations. Osprey is installing rapid charge points in partnership with Marston’s, Shepherd Neame and Punch, as well as co-locating with Burger King, Costa Coffee and Starbucks on new developments.
Ian Johnston, CEO at Osprey Charging Network, said “We know from experience that electric vehicle drivers choose to stop at locations where they can enjoy their re-charge time in a safe and comfortable environment with food and amenities. Wells & Co’s pubs provide this warm welcome and high-quality experience, whilst retaining the individuality of each pub. We’re delighted that our rapid charge points can add a valuable service to these unique locations.”
Access to charging is one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption and the installation is expected to encourage EV uptake in the area, bolstering the UK’s national charging infrastructure as well as improving local air quality, reducing noise pollution and supporting local decarbonisation efforts. Osprey’s charging locations are consistently scored highly for safety and accessibility by independent inspection body ChargeSafe, and Osprey is in the Top 3 UK Chargepoint Network Operators for both personal safety and accessibility.
