RAW Charging has partnered with Landsec to deliver what will become the UK’s largest destination EV charging hub at Bluewater, marking a major step forward in the country’s charging infrastructure expansion.
The ambitious £24.5 million programme will see the rollout of 1,000 new EV charging bays across 28 high-traffic retail and leisure destinations across the UK.
1,000 New Chargers Across Key UK Destinations
The nationwide rollout will include a mix of 554 AC fast chargers and 446 DC rapid chargers, ensuring flexibility for different charging needs. Key locations in the programme include Gunwharf Quays, White Rose Shopping Centre, and Brighton Marina.
Several sites are already operational, with more to follow as the rollout accelerates.
Enhancing the Retail Experience with EV Charging
The initiative is designed to align with changing consumer habits, where EV drivers expect convenient, high-quality charging options at everyday destinations. By integrating charging infrastructure into popular retail hubs, drivers can recharge while shopping, dining, or enjoying leisure activities.
This approach not only improves convenience but also delivers measurable benefits for landlords and retailers by increasing dwell time, footfall, and on-site spending.
Faster Charging, Modern Infrastructure
As part of the long-term 20-year partnership, RAW Charging and Landsec will also replace and upgrade outdated infrastructure across existing sites. The new chargers will significantly improve reliability, accessibility, and speed.
Some DC rapid chargers will be capable of delivering a meaningful top-up within typical retail dwell times of 30 to 90 minutes, helping create a “best-in-class” charging experience for EV drivers.
All chargers will support contactless payments and major EV charging apps, ensuring a frictionless user experience. With Landsec destinations attracting more than 20 million visitors annually, the network is uniquely positioned to scale EV charging where it’s needed most.
Beyond retail centres, RAW Charging’s growing network already supports major destinations such as National Trust sites, attractions operated by Merlin Entertainments like LEGOLAND Windsor and Alton Towers, as well as McArthurGlen Designer Outlets and leading hotel groups.
Together, these locations already support more than 400,000 electric journeys annually.
Supporting the UK’s EV Transition
With electric vehicles now accounting for roughly one in four new car sales in the UK, the partnership positions both companies at the forefront of sustainable retail innovation.
Neil Broadbank, Chief Commercial Officer at RAW Charging, emphasized that the investment is about more than infrastructure—it’s about enhancing customer experiences while supporting the UK’s transition to cleaner transport.
Ben Padley, Head of Consumer at Landsec, highlighted the importance of making EV charging a seamless part of everyday life, noting that retail destinations have a key role to play as adoption accelerates.
The rollout underscores a broader shift toward destination charging as a critical pillar of EV infrastructure. By focusing on locations where drivers already spend time, RAW Charging and Landsec are helping bridge the gap between convenience and sustainability—bringing EV charging into the mainstream.
