Independent forecourt operator MFG is investing £400m to expand its network of EV chargers in the UK, with 2,800 new units.

The ultra-rapid devices will be capable of charging speeds between 150kW and 350kW and will be installed at 500 locations across the country.

MFG will self-fund, build, and operate its own EV charging hubs, thereby becoming a national charge point operator.

The hubs will consist of between four and eight Ultra-Rapid 150kW EV Chargers per site. These will be augmented with 350kW chargers as vehicle battery technology improves to maintain the fastest charging times across the network. 

William Bannister, CEO, MFG, said: “Our planned £400 million investment in this vital infrastructure will help keep UK motorists on the move, and our essential retail will support local communities and the economy. I am looking forward to engaging with Government to ensure this investment best meets the national EV infrastructure requirement to help us all make a contribution to ensuring Britain meets its net zero target by 2050.”

In 2021, MFG will build EV charging hubs at an additional 40 sites, offering more than 200 Ultra-Rapid 150kW EV Chargers. The initial focus will be on major trunk roads and urban areas. 

In London alone, MFG’s planned roll-out will treble the current number of open network Ultra-Rapid 150kW EV Chargers.

From 2022 onwards, MFG plans to build at least 50 additional EV charging hubs per year.  A significant number of these will be on the strategic road network.

Over the coming decades, MFG will operate a dual fuel strategy.  It will continue to provide existing fossil fuel infrastructure whilst rolling out EV charging hubs while continuously upgrading its nationwide network of industry-leading travel retail destinations.

Alongside its EV roll out, MFG also plans to invest more than £50m in 2021 to improve its retail, food to go, and valeting offer to the consumer.  It will also consolidate its position as one of the largest drop box and home delivery locations for major logistics companies such as Amazon, InPost, and ByBox.