As the leading chargepoint operator for the leisure sector, we have launched a new industry report designed to help zoos and wildlife attractions seamlessly integrate EV charging infrastructure into their sustainability strategies.

The launch of the new report - Charging Up Conservation - coincides with RAW's successful election as a Corporate Associate member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), having been recommended by existing members.

Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW, said:

“Achieving BIAZA membership represents a significant milestone for us. The rigorous nomination and vetting process reflects the trust and recognition RAW has earned within this close-knit conservation community.

“We are uniquely positioned to help zoos and wildlife attractions meet evolving sustainability challenges by delivering fully funded, reliable and future-proof EV charging solutions that enhance visitor experience and support vital conservation work - hence our desire to also publish a whitepaper on the sector.

“With 32 million visitors annually to BIAZA-member sites, many of whom are eco-conscious families, our report highlights a growing demand for EV infrastructure that aligns with conservation goals and offers additional revenue streams to fund critical environmental efforts.”

The new paper, ‘Charging Up Conservation: How Zoos & Aquariums can lead the charge with EV Infrastructure’, outlines a growing demand for EV charging, specifically at wildlife attractions given that in 2024 around 25% of all family vehicles sold were electric or hybrid powered, and EV numbers on the road tipped over 1.3 million.

In addition, the report provides guidance on implementing charging solutions that align with conservation goals - and of course, how it can crucially offer an additional revenue stream.

This, combined with recognising that a large proportion of EV drivers would like to see more chargepoints at leisure destinations, including zoos and wildlife parks, underlines the growing expectations of today’s eco-conscious visitors. And with EV visitor numbers set to rise exponentially as the UK phases out new petrol and diesel cars, we developed this report to highlight the urgent need for destination charging to support the increasing number of EV-driving families visiting the UK’s animal conservation sites.

RAW has already delivered successful EV charging solutions for partner Merlin Entertainments, including key sites, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and Alton Towers.

Jason said:

“Our report demonstrates the vital role zoos and wildlife attractions can play in supporting the UK’s EV transition. We saw this first-hand in April 2024 when we funded the installation of chargers at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. We have seen data from peak times throughout 2024 that supports this ever-growing need for affordable and reliable EV charging amongst their visitors.”

The installation of charging points at Chessington World of Adventures by RAW followed a collation of data which demonstrated that during peak visitor periods, such as school half-term weeks, guest needs often exceeded charging capacity, sometimes by up to 33%.

The report highlights commercial benefits of electric charging as well, showing the projected revenue of a six-bay charging installation. In addition, venues can see extra spend on-site per EV of up to 37% due to extended dwell times, all revenue which can be fed back into conservation efforts. This comes with no installation cost, as RAW takes on this cost.

RAW also works closely with venues to ensure its chargers reflect the site’s unique identity. This could include animal print wrapping and the installation of vibrant, family-friendly signage – designed to catch the eyes of young visitors as soon as they arrive.

“The nature of these destinations is that dwell time is high, which supports an additional revenue opportunity,” added Jason. “Also, EV ownership is growing exponentially, so sites must cater to EV users or risk visitors spending time and money elsewhere during their trip rather than at the attraction itself.”

In 2024 a total of 381,970 electric vehicles were sold, representing 20% of all new car registrations. By the final quarter of the year, that figure had climbed to 25% of all new sales. Crucially for family-focused attractions, over 100,000 of the EVs sold in 2024 were family cars.

Jason continued:

“Zoos and wildlife attractions have long been champions of conservation and sustainability, but we have been somewhat surprised to find that most have yet to implement the most practical solution available to reduce visitor-related emissions.

“There are of course many wider benefits to EV installation for businesses focused on green targets beyond just customer experience. For example, quieter environments for animals, and of course reduced emissions for the animals and visitors.

“We hope that with our new BIAZA membership and publication of this whitepaper that we can support the sector in growing its EV offer and adding value to customers.”

Andy Hall, Manager at BIAZA, said:

“We are delighted to count RAW Charging amongst our brilliant members. Our world-leading zoos and aquariums are leaders in sustainability, and we know how visitors travel and get to our sites are an important part of that effort. Through our membership BIAZA brings together the best organisations committed to a more sustainable world and we look forward to working closely with RAW going forward.

Whether it's to see a troop of grooming gorillas or shoals of tropical fish, visitor travel is a part of the sustainability equation, and part of our fight for a wilder planet.”

The report is available to download here.