TWO rapid EV chargers have been installed at a Chester pub as the borough continues the push towards convenient low-carbon transport.

The high-powered chargers were installed this week at The Little Owl. Provided by Osprey Charging, the 60kW units can typically add 100 miles of range in just 35 minutes, depending on the model of the vehicle and its battery.

The company, who oversee the fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network in the UK, say the chargers are easy to use and designed with simple payment for drivers.

The new Cheshire site is a crucial part of Osprey’s roll-out of public charging infrastructure in key locations across the UK, with over 1,000 operational chargers live and available to use.

Osprey Chargers accept contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “The roll-out of EV charging facilities is quickly gathering pace and we’re here to provide a reliable and rapid public charging service for all drivers, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Osprey now has over 1,000 charge points available to use across the UK, each carefully designed to maximise space, accessibility and made to the latest and highest standards. The new charging site in Chester will form a vital part of the re-charging network that will enable the decarbonisation of transport in the UK.”

The push towards low-carbon transport

Osprey has funded the installation, operation and oversees maintenance of the chargers which are all supplied with renewable energy.

With the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, more resident and visitors will look for EV charging as standard, and customers of The Little Owl will now be able to utilise the new units and charge up their vehicle while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat.

Cheshire West and Chester Council recently secured more than £2m from the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.

The new funding is expected to enable an initial installation of around 600 chargers, with approximately 300 in car parks and 300 on-street locations across the borough.

The initial installation phase will start in late 2024 and is expected to take around five years.