ENGIE to install 1,000 rapid charge points at Premier Inn hotels

Premier Inn has committed to having 1,000 high power electric vehicle charging points installed across its hotels, in what is said to be the biggest roll-out of high power EV chargers in the hospitality sector across the UK.

Whitbread – owner of the Premier Inn hotels, as well as Beefeater and Brewers’ Fayre restaurants – has appointed ENGIE to install high power GeniePoint charging points nationwide, with 600 committed across 300 hotels over the next three years.

Access to the charging points will be for guests, as well as members of the public using the GeniePoint Network – one of the largest national EV networks.  The company will install high specification 50kW+ chargers that replenish electric cars in just 30 minutes with 100% renewable energy.

Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Electric vehicles are key to our plans to cut emissions, build back greener and kick start a green industrial revolution across the country.

“Just as the Government is accelerating efforts to su≠pport EV and battery manufacturing in the UK, we must also ensure the public can access high-power charging points at their convenience.

“This fantastic initiative between two great companies will allow for stress-free electric vehicle charging when we are able to visit our favourite pubs and restaurants again - allowing consumers to charge up in record time, while encouraging others to make that all important switch to electric.”

Sam Hockman, Divisional CEO – Futures at ENGIE UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Whitbread to deliver this major roll-out of high speed EV infrastructure -bringing together two businesses from different backgrounds, both embracing a net zero future.

"A big factor for drivers considering the switch to EV is access to a broader range of charging options.  This significant investment at Premier Inn sites will provide hundreds of new, convenient charging locations across the UK and also give customers access to ENGIE's wider GeniePoint network.

“This important move by Whitbread highlights the key role the hospitality sector can play to support not only the uptake of EVs, but also the UK's wider commitment to become net zero by 2050."

Simon Leigh, Procurement Director at Premier Inn said: “Electric vehicles are one of the ways in which the UK strives for a greener future and we’re pleased to help drive this goal forward with what we believe is the UK’s biggest roll-out of rapid charging points to date.

“We know that ‘range anxiety’ is a real concern for many of our guests who own electric cars. Knowing that in many locations they will soon be able to arrive and have access to a high-speed charge point to quickly refuel their car while they relax and refuel themselves will be a great source of comfort.

“A combination of our excellent locations and guests being able to wake up knowing they can safely get back on the road again means Premier Inn and ENGIE are the perfect partners for these charge points.”

ENGIE will begin installing the chargers in March, with the first scheduled in Enfield, London.