Sporting goods provider Decathlon has just committed to a new deal with charging network Be.EV to install ultra-rapid chargers at a number of its stores. 

It marks the first time that Decathlon has signed a deal with a public charging network provider with sites across the country soon to feature ultra-rapid points. The first, at Decathlon’s Stockport store, will get a charging hub with 16 ultra-rapid charging bays installed. Decathlon hasn’t announced the power output of the chargers, but has stated that visitors will be able to charge to 80 per cent in an average Decathlon customer’s dwell time of 30 minutes.

Chris Allen, UK sustainability and circular economy leader at Decathlon, said: "Introducing ultra-rapid EV charging solutions at select stores in partnership with Be.EV exemplifies our commitment to responsible practices that can help contribute to a better environment. Aligning with our mission to champion people and planet-positive solutions."

The chargers also include a load-balancing feature which allows them to intelligently divide energy between vehicles depending on the amount of electricity available and how many vehicles are plugged into a unit at any one time. By doing this, it makes the whole charging system more efficient.

This move also ties into Decathlon’s Transition 2026 plan which sees the retailer targeting a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2026. The initial Stockport charging hub is expected to be completed by April 2024.