Be.EV’s groundbreaking project is a major milestone in the council’s mission to expand public charging services across the county. Their innovative plan involves transforming an old former petrol station site located at the corner of Reliance Street and Oldham Road into a futuristic green forecourt and community hub, complete with a 1,900 sq ft convenience store.
The site will not only cater to the charging needs of electric vehicle owners but also provide commercial space for local businesses. It will boast 16 ultra-rapid chargers, enabling simultaneous charging for 16 electric vehicles, including spaces that are accessible and suitable for vans. Additionally, secure charging facilities for electric bicycles will also be available.
What sets this site apart is the remarkable charging speed of the ultra-rapid chargers. With its ability to charge a typical EV in just ten minutes, Be.EV outshines the standard 4-6 hours required by a 7kW fast charger. As the largest network provider of public EV chargers in Greater Manchester, this project at Reliance Street marks Be.EV’s first new generation ‘Oasis’ endeavor, with future locations already in the pipeline.
The site’s design revolves around integrating trees and biodiversity. A magnificent wildflower garden will act as a natural boundary along one side, while additional planted areas will feature herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and grasses. The commitment to a “net-biodiversity uplift” aims to bring nature back into this area, enhancing its ecological significance.
To further enhance the development’s eco-friendly credentials, solar panels will be installed, contributing towards reducing the carbon footprint. These solar panels will supply clean energy to power the commercial space. Notably, the retail building and forecourt roof will feature biodiverse planting of native British species, carefully selected for this region.
By partnering with Octopus Energy, the chargers will be powered by renewable energy, in line with the goal of establishing a fully green transport system. While the chargers will be available for public use, members of Be.EV will also benefit from a discounted rate across the company’s rapidly growing charging network.
With its remarkable technological advancements and commitment to sustainability, Be.EV’s transformative project at Reliance Street will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of electric vehicle infrastructure.
