CUSTOMERS at The Legh Arms in Brook Street, Knutsford could soon be able to charge their electric cars.

Planning permission is being sought from Cheshire East Council by Engenie to install a rapid eVolt charge points in the car park at the Marston’s pub.

In November Marston’s Inns and Taverns unveiled a partnership with rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging network Engenie to become the UK’s first pub company to roll out rapid chargers across sites nationwide.

In announcing the partnership, Engenie said on its website: “The move – which will see the installation of 400 rapid EV chargers, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and allowing up to three cars to charge at each site at any one time – will provide the building blocks for a nationwide network of rapid chargers.”

Andy Kershaw, head of facilities management and projects, Marston’s, said on the website: “Our goal is to become the UK’s most environmentally-efficient pub business.

“By partnering with innovative and customer-focused organisations like Engenie, we’ll continue to hold ourselves and the sector to the highest possible environmental standards.”

The website said Engenie’s rapid charging points were simple to use, required no membership or connection fee and operated with all contactless payment cards.

Each 50kW charger is compatible with all EVs on the market today and provides an 80 per cent charge in just 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the battery.

Patrick Sherriff, Business Development Director at Engenie, said: “Our national network of rapid chargers is having a significant positive impact on local air quality; another feather in the cap of Marston’s’ already impressive long-term environmental commitments.

“At the same time, our easy-to-use rapid EV charging points will put the customer at the centre of the EV transition.”

Comments on the application, reference 19/1957M, can be made on the Cheshire East planning portal until May 23.