• Avison Young to advise WMCA on search, selection and acquisition of 10 EV charging station sites across the West Midlands
• Programme’s ultra-rapid charging stations will drive the region's green transport revolution
• Roll out aims to help all those living and working in the West Midlands to have greater access to EV charging close to their home or business

Strategic real estate advisor Avison Young has been appointed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support the roll out of a major Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure programme across the region.

Following a competitive process, Avison Young’s multidisciplinary team is now tasked with scouring the West Midlands for suitable land that can house the collection of 10 ultrafast charging stations, before working with the WMCA and land owners to acquire the sites. The long-term vision is to ensure that all constituents living and working in the region will have access to EV charging facilities close to their home or business.

The petrol station equivalent for EVs, each will be equipped with ultra rapid charging points, which can deliver virtually a full charge within circa 30 minutes. Like existing fuel and service stations, they may also involve a retail unit or a drive-thru. Following a successful roll out of the initial 10 stations, it is expected that further sites may be explored in-line with market growth ahead of the 2030 ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said:
“The West Midlands is leading the way when it comes to the UK’s electric vehicle revolution.

“These new planned stations will make EV charging much easier and far more accessible - keeping people and businesses moving whilst accelerating EV adoption right across our region.

“This new initiative forms part of our wider efforts to invest in the green transport network of the future – aligning very well with our #WM2041 net zero commitment.”

Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and experience from across its largest regional office in the UK, Avison Young’s multidisciplinary team will be supporting the WMCA to realise its vision, building on recent work including advising the NEC Birmingham as it sets out to deliver one of Europe's largest EV charging hubs.

Richard Jones, Director at Avison Young, said:
“The EV revolution continues apace across the West Midlands and beyond, with the region and particularly the WMCA gaining recognition for their investment and impetus in making it happen. These charging stations are just another example of the WMCA’s commitment and willingness to move fast and ensure parity of support for all areas across the West Midlands.

“Much like our work with the NEC, we are seeing more organisations, including local authorities needing advice on how to support the adoption and move to EVs across the country. We’re now keen to engage with landowners and property companies to identify opportunities that could potentially be used for these new charging stations.”