New rapid electric car chargers installed at the Crown Oil Arena

Three new rapid electric car chargers have been installed at the Crown Oil Arena, for both visitors to the arena and the wider public.

Rochdale AFC’s club mascot Desmond the Dragon was one of the first to visit the site along with club director Tony Pockney, who recommended Crown Oil Arena’s car park bays to Be.EV in October 2021, and Be.EV’s CEO Asif Ghafoor.

The arena was confirmed for development and construction began in January 2023. The grounds received free installation and ongoing maintenance of the three chargers from Be.EV, as well as charging credit for the club’s use.

Each rapid charger can charge a typical EV to 80% in 20 minutes to an hour, compared to 4-6 hours on a 7kW fast charger. The rapid technology allows more cars to be charged in a day.

 

 

Tony Pockney said: “Rochdale Football Club is proud to be an EFL Green Club member and we are always looking for projects to support our ever-growing green credentials. 

“Therefore, as Environmental Sustainability Lead Director for the club, I nominated the Crown Oil Arena as a site for charging points. 

“As an EV driver myself, I know that there are few charging points in the Rochdale area. 

“I have also been amazed at how few football grounds that I have travelled to currently offer this facility. I hope by having a charging facility at the football club it will encourage more fans, players, staff and local residents to own and use EVs. 

“As a North West based club, I was delighted to partner with Be.EV, an organisation committed to rolling out charging infrastructure throughout the North West of England and beyond.”

Asif Ghafoor, CEO at Be.EV explained: “We are delighted to be able to bring these rapid EV chargers to the community of Rochdale and that our football club can contribute positively to the need for more charging infrastructure. 

“Not everyone is able to charge their EV at home and Rochdale AFC has given something back to the area by hosting these chargers.

“EV charging hubs at stadiums and sporting grounds across the country are still few and far between – this absolutely has to change.

“The more who follow the example of Crown Oil Arena, the more sustainable match day travel will become.

“We are always looking for more sites so if you know of somewhere suitable then please get in touch.”

The company is encouraging Rochdale locals to suggest further sites for potential charge points to bolster the city’s network and meet increasing driver demand.