RAW Charging (“RAW”), the leading electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors, is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Sunderland AFC to deliver the largest EV charging hub in the North East as part of the club’s Ready Eco programme.
Highlights
- Largest EV hub in the North East: 20 charging bays (16 x 150kW and 4 x 300kW).
- Powered by 100% renewable energy: reinforcing RAW and SAFC’s commitment to sustainability.
- EcoReady Campaign: Premier League Club becomes one of the most sustainable in the league as part of EcoReady Campaign
- Large investment in the city: RAW has invested approximately £750k into Sunderland.
- Free charging for RAW Rewards customers: Drivers can charge for free following the opening of the hub with RAW Rewards. Free charging will run on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October.
Located at the Stadium of Light, the new EV hub will feature 20 ultra rapid charging bays, comprising 16 x 150kW and 4 x 300kW chargers, adding a vital new facility for the community. The hub will ensure a fast, reliable, and efficient charging experience for visitors, fans and the wider community. This initiative is a crucial step in Sunderland AFC’s Ready Eco strategy, which aims to make the club energy-sufficient from renewable sources by 2028 and achieve net zero by 2040.
The hub will be powered by 100% renewable energy, supporting SAFC’s mission to lead on sustainability in sport while aligning with RAW’s commitment to delivering future-proof charging solutions across the UK.
Visitors to Sunderland can take advantage of RAW’s state-of-the-art chargers, which allow for quick battery top-ups in just minutes. The chargers support contactless payments and are compatible with all major EV charging apps. Furthermore, customers can enjoy free charging following the opening of the hub by signing up to RAW Rewards: https://rawcharging.com/rewards. Free charging is only available via the ChargePoint App and not via contactless payment.
RAW is committed to excellence and has been recognised with the prestigious Zapmap Best Destination Network Award for 2026, as well as the ICC Gold accreditation, cementing RAW’s position as the EV charging partner of choice for the UK’s leading leisure, retail, and hospitality destinations.
RAW Charging’s Investment in the North East
RAW Charging is funding, operating, and maintaining the entire charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless access to high-quality EV charging for Sunderland AFC’s supporters and the wider public. The chargers will be branded as part of Ready Eco, further strengthening SAFC’s visibility as a leader in sustainable initiatives.
This partnership marks another major milestone in RAW’s expanding UK-wide network, following recent installations at major leisure and hospitality venues, including Cardigan Fields, Knights Park, XScape Yorkshire and Milton Keynes. By investing in this hub, RAW is making EV charging more accessible, convenient, and reliable for all drivers in the North East.
Jason Simpson, CEO of RAW Charging, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Sunderland AFC to deliver the largest EV charging hub in the North East. This project is a major new facility for the city and aligns perfectly with our mission to support sustainable travel. By providing ultra-rapid charging powered by 100% renewable energy, we are ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable and future-proof charging infrastructure.”
Paul Kingsmore, chief operations officer, Sunderland AFC, added: “At Sunderland AFC, we are committed to making a real difference through our Ready Eco programme, and this partnership with RAW Charging is another step towards achieving our sustainability ambitions. By installing a state-of-the-art EV charging hub at the Stadium of Light, we are not only improving the experience for fans and visitors but also supporting the wider transition to cleaner, greener transport in the North East.”
