RAW Charging (“RAW”), the leading electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors, is delighted to announce the successful activation of a new ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Merrielands Retail Park, Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham, RM9 6SR, in partnership with Aviva Investors.
Highlights
- Go live date and free charging: Customers can charge for free following the opening of the hub. Free charging will commence on Friday 17th November and will run for one week
- 8-bay ultra-rapid hub: 6 x up to 150kW DC bays + 2 x up to 300kW DC bays
- Strategic destination: Conveniently located at a busy, high-footfall retail park in Dagenham, ideal for residents and passing drivers
- Easy, flexible charging: All chargers support contactless payment options for driver convenience
- Expanding Aviva partnership: This latest site continues RAW’s growing collaboration with Aviva Investors across its retail property portfolio, with additional rapid hub locations in development
Merrielands Retail Park provides a convenient, amenity-rich destination for drivers to charge while they shop, work out or grab a bite to eat. With a mix of 150kW and 300kW bays, drivers can benefit from fast, reliable top-ups that fit seamlessly into their visit, seeing outlets including Tkmaxx, B&M, PureGym, Argos, Aldi and Farmfoods.
This launch marks another important milestone in RAW’s collaboration with Aviva Investors to expand much-needed public EV charging infrastructure at prime retail and leisure locations. The shared ambition to enhance the accessibility and convenience of destination charging aligns closely with RAW’s mission: to deliver ultra-rapid hubs that support the UK’s transition to zero-emission mobility.
Working with some of the UK’s largest commercial property owners, including Aviva Investors, SEGRO, Hammerson and Aberdeen, RAW provides a complete turnkey solution, managing every step of the process from planning and grid connection to installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. For landlords, this converts non-performing assets into valuable infrastructure aligned with long-term sustainability and ESG goals.
With the number of electric vehicles registered in Barking & Dagenham and the surrounding area continuing to rise year on year, the activation of this new hub reflects significant investment in local charging infrastructure. The expansion not only supports the growing community of EV drivers, who now represent a rapidly increasing share of motorists in East London, but also underlines RAW Charging’s commitment to enabling zero-emission travel at the heart of busy retail destinations. This substantial investment by RAW Charging and Aviva Investors is helping to future-proof the area, making it easier for residents, shoppers, and commuters to choose clean, sustainable transport options and supporting the borough’s wider transition to greener mobility solutions.
Jason Simpson, CEO, RAW Charging, said: “We’re excited to power up our latest ultra-rapid hub with Aviva Investors at Merrielands Retail Park. This is exactly the kind of high-demand destination where fast, reliable charging makes a real difference for drivers and for landlords. By turning existing retail assets into charging hubs, we’re creating convenient, future places to visit and unlocking tangible value for property owners.”
Andrew Coles, asset manager, Aviva Investors, said: “We are delighted to see the new ultra-rapid charging hub at Merrielands Retail Park go live in partnership with RAW Charging. As demand for electric vehicles in the local area continues to grow, it’s vital that our retail destinations offer the infrastructure and convenience that drivers need. This investment not only supports a more sustainable future for Barking & Dagenham but also enhances the experience for our tenants and their customers. We look forward to continuing our work with RAW Charging to deliver more projects like this across our portfolio, driving meaningful progress towards net zero and creating long-term value for our communities.”
