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Zapgo has installed EV charging infrastructure at the Starbucks location in Crieff, Scotland. The deployment was reported by Business Motoring, adding to the growing network of chargepoints at retail and hospitality destinations across the UK.

Why it matters: Partnerships between charge point operators and high street brands like Starbucks signal continued demand for destination charging at locations where dwell time aligns with charging sessions, creating opportunities for CPOs targeting retail site hosts.

Charging provider Zest has installed six 120kW electric vehicle charging spaces at Croft Retail Park on Wirral, outside Starbucks and Wendy's stores operated by franchise partner Cafe Fortune. The Bromborough site follows an earlier joint deployment at a Somercotes retail park near Alfreton, forming part of an ongoing rollout between the two companies. Both firms emphasised the strategy of placing rapid chargers at roadside food and drink destinations where drivers already stop.

Why it matters: The partnership model between a charging operator and a hospitality franchisee shows how retail and food service landlords are becoming active infrastructure hosts, offering CPOs predictable footfall and dwell time. Repeat deployments at branded franchise sites may signal a scalable template for rapid charging rollouts across similar retail estates.

Planning permission has been granted for 16 electric vehicle charging spaces at Elk Mill Shopping Park in Oldham, UK. The installation will include lighting, CCTV, power units and a substation in the eastern part of the car park, replacing existing spaces near Starbucks and Farholme residential properties.

Why it matters: The approval signals continued retail site electrification in Greater Manchester, offering CPOs and installers a modest but infrastructure intensive project requiring substation work alongside standard charging hardware.

Zest has completed EV charger installations at six Home Bargains locations in Arbroath, Ballymena, Cardigan, Carrickfergus, Newport and Sunderland, with speeds ranging from fast to ultra-rapid. Two additional installations are underway at Home Bargains sites in Ashford and Leigh. Zest already operates chargers at Co-op, Tesco, Spar and Starbucks locations, as well as shopping centres including Metrocentre, Frenchgate, Chantry Place and Merry Hill.

Why it matters: The rollout demonstrates how discount retailers are becoming viable hosts for charging infrastructure, expanding the addressable site pipeline beyond premium retail. Zest's multi-retailer portfolio shows CPOs can scale by replicating a proven retail model across different grocery and convenience chains.