Why RAW Charging Might Be a Little Gem of a CPO

Why It Matters

Raw Charging’s data‑driven, destination‑focused model proves that profitable EV charging can thrive outside highway corridors, guiding investors and operators toward high‑utilisation retail and hospitality hubs.

Key Takeaways

• Raw Charging runs 2,500+ points, 500 ultra‑rapid sockets.
• Destination sites prioritize built‑in demand and brand partnerships.
• Utilisation varies seasonally, from beach peaks to London constant use.
• Data‑driven site selection uses traffic, population, and parking metrics.
• New retail and hospitality hubs expand ultra‑rapid network rapidly.

Summary

The podcast interview spotlights Raw Charging, a UK‑based charge‑point operator that has grown to over 2,500 charging locations, including 500 ultra‑rapid sockets. Co‑founder Neil Broadbank explains the company’s focus on destination charging—installing chargers where people already spend time—and its parallel push into rapid and ultra‑rapid hubs across urban and retail sites. Key insights reveal a highly variable utilisation pattern: seasonal spikes at leisure spots like National Trust beaches contrast with near‑constant demand in central London, driven by ride‑hailing and delivery fleets. Pricing is tailored to each site’s traffic profile, and the firm leverages sophisticated data from partners such as Field Dynamics to assess traffic flow, population density, and parking availability before committing capital. Examples include the flagship Slough “charge yard” built on disused land with a 350 kW Alcatel charger, the high‑traffic London hub serving Uber drivers, and the recent partnership with LandSec to roll out multi‑bay ultra‑rapid stations in retail parks. Raw’s holistic, data‑first approach blends real‑world experience with AI‑enabled analytics to optimise charger type and placement. The strategy underscores a shift in the EV charging market: destination‑centric, data‑driven deployments can deliver higher profitability and investor confidence while expanding ultra‑rapid coverage beyond traditional motorway service areas. As EV adoption accelerates, Raw’s model offers a template for operators seeking to balance utilisation, brand alignment, and scalable growth.

Original Description

In this episode Neil Broadbank, Chief Commercial Officer of Raw Charging, shares insights into destination charging infrastructure, site selection, pricing strategies, and future developments in EV charging networks in the UK.

We discuss:

- Destination charging strategy and site selection

- Utilization and performance metrics of charging stations

- Pricing models and customer incentives for EV charging

- Grid connectivity challenges and solutions for rural sites

- Roaming, app integration, and contactless payments in EV charging

Guest Details: Neil Broadbank is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at RAW Charging, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions in the UK. With extensive experience in driving commercial growth across the energy and technology sectors, Neil plays a pivotal role in spearheading RAW Charging’s mission to deliver sustainable, reliable, and accessible EV infrastructure. His strategic leadership and passion for innovation ensure RAW Charging remains at the forefront of the EV revolution, helping businesses and communities transition to a greener future.

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

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