New electric vehicle (EV) car charging points will be installed at five initial sites across the UK: Thorpe Park Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle and LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
Charging bays will be installed across the five attractions during the 2023 summer season, the first stage in ambitions to install more chargers across additional attractions
Merlin Entertainments (“Merlin” or “the Company”), a global leader in location-based entertainment with over 140 attractions spanning 24 countries and 4 continents, today announces a partnership with RAW Charging to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging points across a selection of Merlin’s UK attractions, including Thorpe Park Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle and the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
The new EV charging points are part of Merlin's pledge to reduce its impact on the environment and will contribute to the national infrastructure that supports the growing number of electric cars on the roads across the country.
To use the electric charging points, drivers can download the ChargePoint App before use from either Apple or Android app store or pay via contactless debit/credit card using an RFID card. Users can benefit from the spaces when charging their vehicle, which will be monitored by individual car park operators at the Resorts within the UK. The 22kW charge points cater for all electric vehicles, with both tethered and socketed units in place. Selected attractions with onsite hotels will also have chargers which can be provided to guests, giving them the opportunity to power up their EVs overnight.
Dare Ilori, Group Sustainability Director at Merlin Entertainments, said:
“Offering EV charging to our guests through our partnership with RAW Charging is exactly what we as an organisation should be doing to help make lower emission solutions accessible for the public. Sustainability sits at the heart of Merlin Entertainments and as we continually grow and expand our attractions, we know that reducing carbon emissions is the right thing to do to protect our planet. We’re making headway in reducing our annual worldwide carbon emissions and by taking steps like this in installing EV charging hubs across the UK, we are taking action to help pave the way for a greener future and adding to the experience for our guests each year.”
Merlin Entertainments recognises that its operations have an impact on the environment and that effective management of the impact is essential for sustainable business success. The company is committed to regular monitoring, auditing, and reviewing of activities to identify opportunities for sustainable, environmental improvement, in line with its strategic business goals.
Jason Simpson, CEO, RAW Charging, said:
“RAW Charging is in the business of providing convenient and cost-effective charging to EV drivers visiting A-list destinations in the Leisure, Hospitality and Retail sectors. Merlin Entertainments’ portfolio of world class attractions is as A-list as it gets, and we’re delighted to work together in partnership to energise guests’ visits and deliver on everyone’s sustainability goals.”
