A recent study conducted by national charging network Be.EV and sporting goods retailer Decathlon has revealed that electric vehicle (EV) drivers are more inclined towards cardio-intensive sports and adrenaline-fueled activities compared to those who drive petrol or diesel vehicles.
The survey, which polled over 3,600 Decathlon shoppers, found that EV drivers engage in activities such as swimming (57% vs. 52%), running (51% vs. 46%), and cycling (69% vs. 61%) at higher rates than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Additionally, the study noted that EV drivers were more likely to participate in extreme sports such as skydiving, cold water swimming, and CrossFit—activities that no petrol or diesel driver respondents listed as hobbies.
Be.EV Launches New Ultra-Rapid Charging Hub
The findings coincide with the launch of Be.EV’s latest 16-bay ultra-rapid charging hub at Decathlon Wednesbury, located at Gallagher Retail Park. The hub, which can deliver up to 165 miles of range in just 20 minutes, is positioned to cater to the active lifestyles of EV drivers who may shop for sporting equipment while their vehicles charge.
Situated near Junction 9 of the M6—one of the UK’s busiest motorway junctions with an average daily traffic flow of over 140,000 vehicles—the new charging hub offers a prime location for local EV drivers and long-distance travelers seeking a quick recharge.
Launch Event and Special Discounts
To celebrate the launch, Be.EV and Decathlon will host an event on Tuesday, 18th March, where EV drivers can enjoy 50% off charging throughout the day. Additionally, each charge will come with a complimentary coffee as part of the promotional offer.
Partnership with Wesleyan
The Decathlon Wednesbury charging hub also marks the beginning of a new partnership between Be.EV and Wesleyan, a Birmingham-based mutual with £7.6 billion in assets under management. This collaboration reflects Wesleyan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, making it the first time the firm has integrated EV charging infrastructure into its commercial property portfolio.
Be.EV, one of the UK’s most highly rated ultra-rapid charging networks, currently operates over 800 charging bays, with plans to expand to 1,600 by the end of 2025. The company ranked fourth among rapid/ultra-rapid networks in a recent survey of EV drivers.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, emphasized the importance of placing chargers in locations that align with the lifestyle needs of EV drivers.
“There’s a lot of headlines out there about EVs and chargers, but not enough that discusses what EV drivers actually want and need,” Ghafoor said. “Our research with Decathlon helps the whole industry understand EV drivers’ interests and enables us to install chargers where they’re most needed. Too many charging providers place chargers in random locations that don’t serve anyone. By extending our partnership with Decathlon, we’re catering to thrill-seeking EV drivers while also offering a convenient alternative to busy motorway service stations.”
He also highlighted the significance of Be.EV’s partnership with Wesleyan, stating, “We’re proud to install the first charging hub as part of our partnership with Wesleyan, a mutual with over 180 years of history. Their decision to work with us to install state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure at this key site is a testament to their commitment to sustainability.”
Chris Allen, Director of Sustainability at Decathlon, reinforced the company’s commitment to making sports accessible to all, including EV drivers.
“At Decathlon, we believe staying active and discovering new sports are essential parts of a healthy, fulfilling life. Our partnership with Be.EV ensures that charging your vehicle can also be the beginning of your next sporting adventure,” Allen said.
“With convenient charging points close to stores, EV drivers can explore over 70 sports under one roof, making every visit an opportunity to try something new. Our stores are more than just retail spaces—they’re family-friendly destinations where you can be inspired, get active, and recharge yourself while your car does the same. Together with Be.EV, we’re empowering more people to lead active, positive lifestyles—powered by sport and powered responsibly.”
The launch of this ultra-rapid charging hub signifies a step forward in sustainable mobility, reinforcing the connection between EV drivers and active lifestyles while making charging more accessible and convenient for UK motorists.
