B&Q and RAW Charging Partner on £11 Million National Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Network Rollout

£11 million charging network targets tradespeople at retail locations

B&Q has joined forces with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure across 26 stores in England and Wales. The £11 million investment focuses specifically on tradespeople and commercial vehicle operators who need reliable charging while collecting supplies. Installation work began in May 2024, with the full network expected within 12 months.

The partnership addresses a genuine gap in UK charging provision. While passenger car charging has expanded considerably, commercial vehicle infrastructure remains patchy. Tradespeople running electric vans need dependable charging during working hours, not just overnight home solutions.

RAW Charging specialises in destination charging. This means infrastructure designed for locations where drivers spend extended periods, rather than motorway services. B&Q stores fit this model perfectly. Contractors and service technicians visit regularly for materials, often spending 30 to 60 minutes on site.

Five stores have already started installation work. These include Cheltenham, Sidcup, Boston, Stanmore, and Galashiels. Each location will receive DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging bays designed to accommodate larger commercial vehicles.

Infrastructure investment includes grid upgrades and electrical capacity

The £11 million budget covers more than charger installation alone. RAW Charging will fund necessary electrical infrastructure upgrades at each location. Many retail sites operate on legacy electrical systems never designed for high-power EV charging. Consequently, grid upgrades and high-voltage connections form a substantial part of the investment.

This approach removes a common barrier to charging deployment. Retailers often hesitate to install chargers because existing electrical capacity proves insufficient. By funding upgrades themselves, RAW Charging assumes this risk and cost.

Each charging bay will accept contactless payment. Additionally, the chargers will integrate with major EV charging applications including Zap-Map, Pod Point, and Shell Recharge. Users won’t need specialised cards or complex registration procedures. They can simply tap a card or use an app they already have.

The bay design specifically accommodates commercial vehicles. Electric vans typically measure longer and wider than passenger cars. Standard charging bays often prove too narrow or too short for tradespeople to park comfortably. Therefore, these installations will provide generous spacing.

Commercial vehicle electrification faces infrastructure challenges

The timing reflects mounting pressure on commercial operators to electrify. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded significantly. Clean Air Zones now operate in Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Bath. Manchester and Bradford have confirmed future zones. These measures increase running costs for diesel vans, making electric alternatives more attractive financially.

However, charging availability remains the primary concern for business owners considering electric vans. A van sitting idle while searching for available chargers costs money. Moreover, tradespeople often work across wide geographic areas, making range management more complex than typical commuter patterns.

Home charging helps but doesn’t solve the problem entirely. Many tradespeople operate from residential properties without dedicated off-street parking. Even those with driveways may find overnight charging insufficient for high-mileage days. Consequently, reliable daytime charging becomes essential.

B&Q stores offer a natural solution. Contractors visit these locations multiple times weekly as part of normal operations. Installing chargers here means drivers can top up while collecting materials, rather than making dedicated charging trips. This integration into existing routines reduces the operational disruption that concerns many fleet operators.

The Government’s net zero strategy emphasises destination charging as a critical component of national infrastructure. The 2021 Net Zero Strategy document specifically identifies workplace and destination charging as necessary complements to residential and en-route provision. This B&Q partnership directly supports that policy framework.

Retail locations provide strategic advantages for charging networks

Destination charging differs fundamentally from motorway rapid charging. Motorway sites prioritise speed, with drivers typically spending 20 to 30 minutes maximum. In contrast, destination sites expect longer visits, allowing fuller charging sessions without time pressure.

This distinction matters for commercial operators. Tradespeople need substantial charge addition, not just a quick top-up. A 45-minute shopping trip at B&Q could add 150 miles of range with ultra-rapid charging. That represents meaningful operational capability.

Retail partnerships also offer commercial advantages for charging operators. The locations already have planning permission, established electrical connections, and customer footfall. Furthermore, retailers benefit from extended dwell times. Customers charging vehicles may browse additional products, potentially increasing transaction values.

Several European markets have demonstrated this model successfully. Supermarkets in Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany routinely provide charging as a customer amenity. UK retailers have been slower to adopt the approach, making this B&Q partnership relatively pioneering for the domestic market.

The contactless payment integration removes another common frustration. Early charging networks often required membership of specific schemes or pre-registration. This created confusion and deterred casual users. Modern contactless systems allow anyone to charge without prior arrangement, exactly like paying for fuel.

Small businesses face specific barriers to fleet electrification

Large fleet operators can install dedicated charging infrastructure at depots. Small businesses typically lack this option. A sole trader running one or two vans has nowhere to install workplace charging. Therefore, these operators depend entirely on public infrastructure.

The economics also differ. Large fleets negotiate bulk electricity rates and spread infrastructure costs across many vehicles. Small operators pay retail electricity prices and cannot justify dedicated installations. Consequently, accessible public charging becomes even more critical for this segment.

Vehicle availability compounds the challenge. Electric van options have expanded recently, but choice remains limited compared to diesel equivalents. Lead times can extend to several months. This makes the decision to electrify more consequential, increasing the importance of confidence in charging infrastructure.

Many tradespeople operate across multiple local authorities. A plumber might work in three or four council areas regularly. Each authority may have different charging networks, payment systems, and availability levels. A consistent network across B&Q stores provides geographic coverage that reduces this complexity.

The partnership also signals market confidence in commercial EV adoption. RAW Charging’s £11 million investment implies projected utilisation rates that justify the expenditure. This commercial validation may encourage other businesses to electrify, knowing infrastructure is expanding to meet demand.

Essential details about the charging network rollout

• Twenty-six B&Q stores across England and Wales will receive installations over a 12-month period, with work already underway at five initial locations.
• Each site will feature DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging bays specifically designed with generous spacing to accommodate larger commercial vehicles and vans.
• RAW Charging will fund all necessary electrical infrastructure upgrades including grid connections, removing dependence on existing store electrical capacity.
• All charging points will accept contactless payment and integrate with major EV charging apps, requiring no specialist cards or pre-registration.
• The network targets tradespeople and commercial operators who visit B&Q stores regularly for materials, allowing them to charge during normal supply runs rather than making dedicated charging trips.

Future expansion could accelerate retail charging adoption

This initial 26-store rollout may represent only the first phase. If utilisation rates meet projections, expansion to additional B&Q locations seems likely. The company operates over 300 stores across the UK, providing substantial scope for network growth.

Competitor response could prove significant. Wickes, Screwfix, and Travis Perkins all serve similar customer bases. If B&Q gains competitive advantage through charging provision, rival retailers may feel compelled to match the offering. This could rapidly multiply available charging points for commercial operators.

The partnership might also influence other retail sectors. Garden centres, retail parks, and leisure destinations could adopt similar models. Each expansion increases network coverage and reduces range anxiety for potential EV adopters.

However, success depends on execution. If chargers prove unreliable, poorly maintained, or frequently occupied, the initiative could disappoint users and damage adoption confidence. Therefore, operational performance will determine whether this model spreads or remains isolated.

Grid capacity represents another consideration. As charging demand grows, distribution network operators must ensure adequate electrical supply. The 2023 government delivery plan for zero emission vehicles acknowledges this challenge and commits to regulatory changes supporting grid investment. Nevertheless, coordination between charging operators, retailers, and network companies remains essential.

Commercial vehicle mandates increase urgency for charging solutions

Government policy adds pressure to the infrastructure challenge. The zero emission vehicle mandate requires manufacturers to ensure specified percentages of new car and van sales are electric. For vans, this reaches 10% in 2024, rising progressively to 100% by 2035. Consequently, electric van availability will increase substantially over the next decade.

This supply push must align with demand readiness. If buyers lack confidence in charging infrastructure, mandated vehicles may sit unsold on forecourts. Therefore, visible infrastructure expansion like the B&Q network supports the mandate’s effectiveness.

Public sector procurement also drives demand. Many councils now require zero emission vehicles for contracted services. Cleaning companies, maintenance contractors, and delivery services bidding for council work increasingly need electric fleets. These businesses require accessible charging to operate effectively.

The Procurement Policy Note 06/21 requires suppliers bidding for major government contracts to demonstrate carbon reduction plans. For service companies operating vehicle fleets, electrification forms a clear component of credible carbon reduction. Reliable charging access enables these commitments.

Infrastructure investment supports broader sustainability commitments

B&Q has positioned environmental responsibility prominently in its corporate strategy. The charging network complements other sustainability initiatives including renewable energy procurement and supply chain emissions reduction. For customers increasingly considering environmental factors in purchasing decisions, visible infrastructure investment demonstrates genuine commitment.

The partnership also benefits RAW Charging’s commercial position. As destination charging specialists, successful high-profile deployments enhance credibility for future retail partnerships. The company competes with established networks including Pod Point, BP Pulse, and Char.gy. A visible presence at major retail locations strengthens brand recognition.

For the wider sustainability sector, the partnership illustrates commercial models that advance decarbonisation without direct government funding. While policy frameworks and regulations create market conditions, private investment ultimately delivers infrastructure. This B&Q example demonstrates that commercial charging deployment can proceed at scale when business cases align.

Small businesses considering fleet electrification should monitor this rollout carefully. Charging availability directly affects operational feasibility. An expanding network at familiar locations reduces practical barriers. However, businesses should assess total cost of ownership comprehensively, including vehicle prices, electricity costs, maintenance, and potential downtime.

We support businesses navigating these decisions through our net zero programme, which includes transport emissions assessment and fleet transition planning. Understanding your specific operational patterns and charging access proves essential for successful electrification.

Where to find additional information and guidance

The Department for Transport publishes regular updates on electric vehicle policy and infrastructure development. Their guidance documents cover grant schemes, regulations, and strategic planning.

The Workplace Charging Scheme offers grant funding for businesses installing charging at their premises. While this B&Q network serves public access, businesses with dedicated parking may benefit from workplace installations.

Zap-Map maintains the UK’s most comprehensive charging location database. Their website and app show real-time availability, user reviews, and payment methods for thousands of charging points nationwide. This proves invaluable for route planning and operational confidence.

For businesses considering fleet electrification, the Energy Saving Trust provides independent advice on vehicle options, total cost of ownership, and funding opportunities. Their transport team specialises in supporting businesses through the transition process.