Morrisons unveils ‘charge whilst you shop’ rapid EV chargers

Supermarket chain Morrisons is rolling out 100 rapid electric charging points for electric vehicles (EVs), allowing shoppers to charge from flat to full battery in under 45 minutes.

This week the company has unveiled its first 50 GeniePoint rapid charging points at its stores nationwide, with a further 50 planned next year.

The rapid chargers will charge an electric car six times quicker than standard charging points and it enables customers to fill their car up even during a short shopping trip.

To help customers, the GeniePoint charging points have been located around the perimeter of the car parks to ensure they are available to those who need them and not obstructed by other customers.

Andrew Ball, Fuel & Services Manager of Morrisons said: ‘Customers are beginning to take part in the biggest revolution in car design since the internal combustion engine was first developed. We need to follow them and give them the opportunity to charge while they shop.’

Alex Bamberg, managing director, ENGIE EV (Electric Vehicle) Solutions, the owner of the GeniePoint Network, added: ‘Providing convenient, fast-charging facilities is essential in ensuring drivers have the confidence to switch to electric vehicles and reduce traffic pollution.

‘Morrisons supermarkets are ideally situated in communities as drivers go about their day to day activities, and will make an important contribution as we build the most reliable rapid charging network nationwide.’

In August, a survey suggested that fears about a lack of charging points are the biggest factor behind people putting off the switch to EVs.

The survey also highlights concerns about limited battery range, with 57% of those surveyed saying this was still a barrier when it came to them considering buying an EV.

The findings come despite reports by the Department of Transport that there are now over 24,000 public charging connectors in almost 9,000 locations across the UK.

Photo Credit – GeniePoint