East London’s newest EV hub launched as another RAW Rapid hub opens in partnership with abrdn

RAW Charging (“RAW”), the leading electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors is delighted to announce the successful installation and electrification of EV chargers at Eastern Avenue Retail Park in Romford, owned by abrdn plc (“abrdn”).

Highlights

• East London’s newest ultra-rapid charging hub: Eastern Avenue Retail Park now features eight ultra-rapid up to 300kW charging bays.

• Well located on major arterial route: On average, Eastern Avenue Retail Park has 15.5 million drivers pass the site each year.

• Convenient features: Chargers support contactless payment options, ensuring ease of use for all EV drivers.

• RAW’s commercial property strategy: The new Rapid Hub is RAW’s latest with large UK commercial property owners looking to monetise their assets.

• RAW’s partnership with abrdn delivering vital infrastructure: RAW has built 8 Rapid Hub sites with 65 ultra-rapid charging bays.

• Significant investment still to come: A further 9 sites in the pipeline delivering over 80 EV charging bays.

Eastern Avenue Retail Park is home to well-known brands including Currys, Wren Kitchens, Burger King and Costa. Visitors to the retail park can enjoy their shopping experience knowing that RAW’s fast and reliable chargers are charging their vehicles.

This installation marks another milestone in RAW’s growing collaboration with abrdn. This shared commitment to enhancing destination charging aligns with RAW’s mission to make EV charging more accessible and more convenient for retail customers. RAW has installed chargers for other abrdn retail locations across the UK including Brotherhood Shopping Park in Peterborough.

To meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging, RAW is working with commercial property owners, such as Aviva Investors, SEGRO, Hammerson and abrdn to develop brownfield land into ultra rapid EV charging hubs. RAW provides a turnkey solution for commercial property landlords who have parcels of land that are not being used to their full potential. On behalf of the landlords, RAW completes the planning, construction and delivery of the scheme turning land that is not being used to its full potential into a yielding asset within the property portfolio.

Neil Broadbank CCO, RAW Charging, commented:

"Eastern Avenue Retail Park is a wonderful addition to RAW’s large and expanding network of ultra-rapid charging stations. Our investment, alongside abrdn, is significant with nearly 20 sites across the portfolio Our partnership with abrdn is a textbook example of how RAW can help the UK’s largest landlords deliver ultra-rapid EV charging across their portfolios throughout the country."

Phil Huby, abrdn, Head of Retail Parks, said:

"We are excited to collaborate with RAW Charging , investing in the EV infrastructure at Eastern Avenue Retail Park. The addition of ultra-rapid EV chargers will greatly enhance public charging access, offering local residents, businesses, and visitors reliable and convenient charging options. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability and highlights our dedication to promoting a greener future for the community."