EV rapid charging network Engenie has partnered with M7 Real Estate to install rapid chargers across all of its out-of-town retail warehouses.

The partnership will see 16 rapid chargers installed across eight out-of-town shopping centres

The 15-year partnership is based on a profit share model on gross profit and will see the eight sites fitted out with 16 rapid chargers, the majority of which should be installed in time for this Christmas. The chargers can be used without the need for membership or connection fee with contactless payments. Locations include the Birkenshaw Retail Park in Uddingston and the Mitre Retail Park in Wolverhampton.

Engenie’s charging points require no membership or connection fee and operate a contactless payment method designed for simple use.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of Engenie’s successful bid to secure investment from Investec which will see its UK-wide network grow to 1,500 rapid chargers by 2021.

Patrick Sherriff, business development director at Engenie said: “Partnering with M7 to offer their customers rapid EV charging is a significant step towards our aim to build a public charging network spanning the whole of the UK. M7’s retail parks are a perfect fit for our rapid chargers, giving EV drivers the convenience of re-fuelling whilst they shop and eat.”

It also marks a major milestone in M7’s long-term environmental strategy to future proof its portfolio.

John Murnaghan, head of UK real estate at M7, said: “As the number of retail warehouse assets under our management continues to grow, so too has the demand from our customers for this technology. This partnership presents a compelling opportunity to help future proof our retail park portfolio as well as enhancing the performance of these assets and consumer choice on site.”