Manchester EV and eBike charging ‘Oasis’ to open on former petrol station

Manchester City Council has given the green light to electric vehicle charging network Be.EV to build Manchester’s first large-scale ‘Oasis’ for EV and eBike charging.

Taking the location of a former petrol station, on the corner of Reliance Road and Oldham Road, it promises a futuristic green and community hub. With a lack of charging infrastructure an obstacle to EV uptake – prospective users suffering range anxiety – the move is designed to provide ultra fast charging for up to 16 EVs at a time.

eBike charging is generally not the first kind of infrastructure that cycle campaigners aim for (that would be safe cycle lanes), but this latest announcement will likely be welcomed by the growing number of UK electric bike users. eBike charging facilities has been steadily growing, including a noticeable deal with Sustrans and Bosch to bring chargers to key National Cycle Network locations.

The site will include commercial space for local businesses (like a bike shop?) and the EV charging facilities will include accessible and van-suitable spaces, as well as secure charging for electric bicycles.

Be.EV reportedly maintains the largest network of public EV chargers in Greater Manchester and Reliance Street marks the company’s first new generation ‘Oasis’ project, with further locations planned across the country.

Trees and biodiversity will form an integral part of the site’s design. A wildflower garden will form a natural boundary along one side of the site. Other planted areas throughout will include herbaceous perennials, shrubs and grasses. The site has committed to a “net-biodiversity uplift”, to bring nature back into the area.

Solar panels will be included to further improve the carbon footprint of the development, by providing clean-energy for the operation of the commercial space. The retail building and forecourt roof will feature a biodiverse planting of native British species, specifically selected for the region.

Mature trees will surround the charging ring and dominate the design, bringing with them further animal & birdlife to the site.

The chargers will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, ensuring the move to a totally green transport system is achieved.

Works at the Reliance Street site will be undertaken by Be.EV and will include significant groundworks to remove contamination from the former petrol station. This will be replaced by permeable surfaces that will collect rainwater to be repurposed to water the planted areas and service the commercial space.

Anyone will be able to use the chargers but Be.EV members will be able to access a discounted rate across the company’s rapidly growing network.

Be.EV CEO Asif Ghafoor said: “Our plan for Reliance Street is truly innovative and reflects Be.EV’s ambition to lead the way in reimagining public infrastructure – creating great charging experiences for today and for the future.

“We worked with the talented team at Architect That to design a site that is not only functional but delivers regeneration in the local area, looks fantastic, and responds to the needs of the local community as it offers so much more than just charging.

“These sites will absorb carbon and clean the air whilst providing EV drivers with a calm, green environment to relax in while they’re charging. The site is also designed to maximise the number of charging bays to accelerate equitable access to the future of electric vehicles.

“It’s a real privilege to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council with this cutting-edge project. The more local authorities who follow their example, the more clean and sustainable our communities will become.”

Executive Member for Environment and Transport for Manchester City Council, Cllr Tracey Rawlins said: “As Manchester continues our journey to become a net zero carbon city by 2038, initiatives such as this that increase access to handy charge stations across our city are important to support drivers to make a switch – ensuring electric vehicles are a viable option.

“This is one element of a wide range of sustainable transport options in Manchester that are making it easier than ever for our residents to move away from conventional cars. This includes significant investment in active travel across the city, alongside new walking and cycling routes in the city centre, and a move towards a fully integrated public transport system. Together they underpin our commitment to increasing the number of people who choose to travel by a sustainable means.”