Believ, the electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO), has partnered with Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk, Scotland, to fully fund the installation of EV charging points to help promote the adoption of EVs throughout the country.
Three new charge points have been installed at the site: two 22kW Landis + Gyr fast chargers and one ultra-rapid 120kW Wallbox charger, which is believed to be the northernmost ultra-rapid charger in the UK. The chargers are conveniently located just a 20-second walk from the hotel entrance, supporting the drive to providing more sustainable transportation options for both locals and visitors to the Scottish Highlands.
This blended approach of chargers ensures that EV drivers have access to charging options that suit different needs. The 22kW chargers are ideal for long stay or overnight charging, providing drivers with the best value, while the ultra-rapid charge point is perfect for drivers who typically want to top up in less than an hour.
Ulbster Arms, situated on the Thurso river – one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland – attracts fishermen from Cornwall to Canada. The hotel is on the renowned North Coast 500 road trip route, providing a crucial resource for EV drivers and visitors.
Catering for a diverse range of visitors, the addition of EV charging facilities is particularly appealing to the growing number of environmentally conscious guests, including representatives and engineers working on the region’s vast wind turbine network.
John Drummond, Director of the Ulbster Arms Ltd, says that the charge points are paving the way for more EV usage across the North of Scotland: “Our unique location means we have repeat visitors to the hotel every year, and recently we have seen increased requests from guests to provide EV charging.
“We are proud to have partnered with an experienced CPO, helping to serve our guests as well as growing EV usage in the area. Believ’s fully funded offering means we have been able to install scalable EV charging infrastructure to suit our different clients’ and local community needs.”
Craig Butler, Property and Acquistions Director at Believ, says each site requires bespoke assessment of driver dwell times and behaviours: “Hotels often lend themselves to a blended approach where different charging speeds are required to suit those using facilities such as restaurants and those staying overnight, offering the best value and experience.
“We are committed to expanding charging infrastructure beyond urban centres to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is accessible to all, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.”
Ali Ghate, Regional Director for the UK/IE & Benelux-Fast Charging at Wallbox, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Believ to advance EV charging infrastructure in the North of Scotland. Our ultra-rapid chargers are designed to deliver reliable, efficient, and seamless charging experiences, enabling drivers to recharge quickly and continue their journeys with confidence.
“This collaboration highlights the leadership of all parties involved in driving the deployment of ultra-rapid chargers across the UK, and Wallbox is proud to support Believ’s efforts to make zero-emissions transportation more accessible for local communities and visitors alike”.