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POD Point is rolling out electric vehicle charging points with one of the UK's biggest retail managers

London-based electric vehicle (EV) charging startup, POD Point, is to partner with Savills to promote the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles and grow the UK’s charging infrastructure.

Coming at a time of impressive growth for the electric and hybrid car market, where sales were up by 27% in 2017, the pair will explore ways to improve access and availability of charging points across real parks and shopping centres in Savills’ portfolio.

As one of the UK’s biggest retail managers, with the likes of Grand Junction Retail Park and Telford Shopping Centre under management, the addition of Savills’ out of town retail park and shopping centres to the UK’s EV charging network could provide drivers of electric and hybrid cars with even more places to charge up.

Savills will potentially benefit too of course, with charging points providing a new way to attract and retain customers as well as bolstering their own sustainable credentials.

Nick Herward, Head of Property Management at Savills, commented: “We are always looking to improve the offer of the out of town shopping centres and retail parks we manage on behalf of our clients to improve the overall experience for customers.

“Encouraging sustainable practices is part of this. As we adapt to new technologies, it’s important we cater for the emerging EV driver market and working with POD Point will allow us to do this.”

Since 2009, POD Point has been establishing itself as a key player in the burgeoning EV market, betting early on the potential of the technology which has finally begun to take off in the last couple of years.

The London-based company offers a range of charging solutions for both businesses and individuals, and has signed deals with big companies such as Britvic and O2 Telefonica to become their workplace charging partners.

Erik Fairbairn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of POD Point views deals such as the one it has just signed with Savills as a way to further encourage the adoption of electric cars.

The rationale being that if the public become used to seeing charging ports everywhere they go, they will be more inclined to opt for an electric vehicle next time they are in the market for a new motor. A kind of if they build it, they will come scenario.

Fairbairn said: “We are very excited to work with Savills to further grow and improve charging infrastructure in public places. In doing so, and as infrastructure continues to grow, we believe this will encourage ever more people to purchase electric vehicles.”

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