Believ has announced a new partnership with Firehouse Oxford to install an ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at the hospitality site in Witney. The fully funded project is intended to improve access to high-speed charging along the A40, a key route connecting London, Oxford, Gloucester and South Wales.
The Firehouse Oxford site, which includes a restaurant and hotel accommodation, sits close to the A40 and sees around 27,000 vehicles pass daily. The location is expected to serve a mix of long-distance drivers, local EV users and visitors to the venue, offering a charging option integrated into an existing stop-off point.
Under the agreement, six ultra-rapid charging bays will be installed, capable of delivering speeds of up to 240 kW. The hub will also include an accessible charging bay, reflecting a wider industry focus on improving usability and access across charging networks.
Charging infrastructure at the site is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027, subject to grid access. Grid capacity and connection timelines remain a key factor in the rollout of rapid charging infrastructure across the UK, particularly in high-traffic areas.
The project will be fully funded by Believ, with the company responsible for site design, grid connection, installation, operation and maintenance. This model removes the need for upfront capital investment from the site host and places operational responsibility with the charge point operator.
Craig Butler, Property Director at Believ, said: “The site is highly visible, directly off a major route and perfectly suited to short dwell times. With strong daily traffic volumes and excellent amenities on site, Firehouse Oxford is an ideal hub location for drivers needing a fast, reliable top-up.”
He added: “Our fully funded model enables businesses to offer essential EV infrastructure without complexity or cost, while helping drivers charge where they already stop. This project strengthens our growing network of strategically located ultra-rapid hubs across the UK.”
The deployment reflects a broader trend in the UK EV charging market, where partnerships between charge point operators and hospitality or retail destinations are being used to expand coverage. Locations with established footfall and amenities are often prioritised, as they align with typical charging dwell times and improve driver convenience.
For site owners, fully funded models have become a common route to entry, particularly as the transition to electric transport accelerates and customer expectations shift. The UK government has set targets to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales, increasing the need for accessible and reliable public charging infrastructure.
Dan Shotton, Managing Director at Firehouse Oxford, said: “This partnership reinforces Believ’s role as a trusted charging partner for hospitality businesses and destination sites, delivering reliable EV charging that supports customer experience, commercial value and the UK’s transition to electric transport.”
Ultra-rapid charging, typically defined as 150 kW and above, is seen as a key component in supporting long-distance EV travel. These chargers can deliver significant range in short periods, making them suitable for roadside and strategic route locations such as the A40.
The inclusion of accessible charging infrastructure also reflects increasing attention on inclusivity within EV network design. Industry groups and policymakers have called for improved standards to ensure charging facilities are usable for drivers with a range of mobility needs.
Believ has been expanding its network of charging hubs across the UK, focusing on locations that combine high traffic volumes with on-site amenities. This approach is intended to support both convenience and utilisation, which are key factors in the commercial viability of charging infrastructure.
The Firehouse Oxford development adds to a growing number of partnerships between charge point operators and the hospitality sector. As EV adoption continues to rise, such collaborations are expected to play a role in meeting demand for public charging while integrating infrastructure into existing travel patterns.
The project’s timeline, dependent on grid access, reflects ongoing challenges in scaling charging infrastructure at pace. Network capacity constraints and connection processes can affect delivery schedules, particularly for high-powered installations.
Once operational, the Witney hub is expected to provide an additional charging option along a busy transport corridor, supporting both regional travel and local EV use.
