There are dozens of CPOs across the country, why should drivers filter for MFG when they open Zapmap?
Drivers should filter for MFG on Zapmap for several reasons, MFG chargers are known for their dependability and sites being maintained to a high standard, giving drivers confidence that a charge point will be operational when they arrive and the site will be clean and tidy.
MFG invests in ultra-rapid chargers (150kW and above) with dedicated power to allow for all chargers to operate at this speed regardless of how many are occupied. This significantly reduces charging time for vehicles that can accept these speeds — ideal for drivers in a hurry or on longer journeys, this sets us apart from our competitors.
MFG chargers are often co-located with convenience retail, food, and amenities at petrol station forecourts, most of which operate 24-hours are well lit so therefore provide a safe environment for all, making stops more practical and comfortable. With a standardised approach to pricing, access, and charger layout, drivers who filter for MFG know what to expect every time. MFG also has a partnership with FuelService, making their app available at all our forecourts to support drivers with any accessibility need.
As MFG is the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator and is rapidly expanding its EV charging network it makes us a dependable choice now and in the future. After our recent acquisition of the Morrisons forecourts we are also now delivering EV charging infrastructure across the Morrisons estate bringing the same level quality and consumer experience there too.
What's been the biggest surprise for MFG so far this year, and how have you responded to that?
The most significant surprise for MFG in 2025 has been the recent uptick in the BEV market share of new registrations, on average over 20% ytd. This has led to a surge in demand for rapid and ultra-rapid charging infrastructure. This growth has prompted MFG to expedite its expansion plans to meet the evolving needs of EV drivers in 2025.
To address this heightened demand, MFG has taken several strategic steps:
- Accelerated Infrastructure Deployment: MFG has intensified its rollout of rapid and ultra-rapid EV chargers across its network.
- Strategic Partnerships: Recognising the need for accessible charging locations, MFG has formed strategic partnerships with several third-party Fleet providers and EMSPs to allow for drivers to reach our network using the service, which is right for them, we currently have over 20 such connections.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: MFG has focused on improving the overall charging experience by integrating amenities such as food-to-go services and valet facilities at its charging hubs where new developments take place. This approach not only caters to the practical needs of EV drivers but also enhances customer satisfaction during charging sessions. We have also invested in swapping out all our older payment terminals (where possible) to allow for not just contactless credit/debit card transactions but the ability to insert and swipe a card with pin input too, removing barriers for some drivers especially those visiting from abroad.
MFG's proactive response to the unexpected surge in EV adoption demonstrates its commitment to supporting the UK's transition to electric mobility. By accelerating infrastructure deployment, forming strategic partnerships, and enhancing the customer experience, MFG is positioning itself as a leading player in the EV charging landscape.
As the EV market continues to evolve, MFG remains dedicated to adapting its strategies to meet emerging challenges and opportunities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the UK's electrification journey.
What is your most unique location in your network and why?
One of the most unique locations in MFG’s network is the Putney EV Power site in London — a standout example of MFG’s innovation in adapting forecourts for the EV era. Located in a densely populated part of London, the Putney site offers multiple ultra-rapid 150kW chargers, making it rare in a city where space is at a premium and charging is limited. This site was one of MFG’s first forecourts to be converted to include electric charging, signalling a bold shift toward a net-zero future and a clear strategy that was to offer multiple Ultra Rapid chargers in one convenient location at the heart of major urban centres.
The location integrates solar canopies and energy-efficient infrastructure, supporting MFG’s broader carbon reduction goals. It encompasses facilities like a convenience store, food-to-go outlets with indoor and outdoor seating areas, valeting and various collection lockers, it’s built for convenience, not just functionality—designed to turn charging downtime into useful or relaxing time.
This site exemplifies how MFG is reimagining forecourts to meet the needs of tomorrow’s drivers, especially in urban centres where the demand for quick, accessible charging and convenience is only growing.
How would MFG sustainably balance installing the right number of chargers to match current utilisation, while also planning for future needs?
Balancing current charger utilisation with future demand requires a strategic, data-driven, and flexible approach. We would assess current demand through real-time usage data — focusing on utilisation rates, peak usage patterns, dwell time, and queue frequency. It’s essential to understand which locations are under- or over-utilised to make informed decisions.
To avoid overbuilding while still enabling future expansion, we would prioritise modular deployments. This means starting with a scalable number of chargers and infrastructure that can be easily expanded as demand grows.
Sustainability is key. Integrate renewable energy sources where feasible, and use equipment designed for longevity and low environmental impact. Coordination with utilities is also critical to ensure grid readiness and reliability.
Finally, continuously monitor utilisation, reliability, customer feedback, and environmental metrics. This feedback loop would inform dynamic pricing strategies to manage load and help optimise future investments.
In summary, the goal is to install enough chargers to stay ahead of the adoption curve giving our customers confidence they can rely on MFG for their charging needs as they consider the transition, while also building in the flexibility to expand quickly if demand rises. It’s a balancing act of precision planning and future-ready scalability.
From a driver perspective, how do you see the EV charging landscape changing over the next couple of years?
The Public Charge Point Regulations have already led to some significant and much-needed improvements for EV drivers across the UK. These changes include enhanced network reliability as a baseline expectation, more streamlined and consistent payment methods, simplified access to charge points, greater transparency in pricing, and the growth of smart, integrated charging solutions via roaming. These developments should help build much-needed confidence among consumers that the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is becoming more user-friendly, dependable, and accessible — laying the groundwork for broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Looking ahead, one of the most transformative shifts will be the widespread adoption of Plug & Charge technology. This innovation promises a truly seamless charging experience, where drivers can simply plug in their vehicle and have it automatically authenticate and handle payment — without the need for apps, cards, or memberships. This kind of frictionless experience, which has been a hallmark of Tesla’s closed ecosystem, will likely become the standard across networks as interoperability improves.
Additionally, the rise of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies — including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) — will empower EVs to play a more active role in the energy ecosystem. These technologies will allow EV owners to use their vehicles as mobile energy storage units, potentially providing power back to their homes or to the grid during peak demand periods. This could help balance the grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and allow drivers to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates by charging overnight and discharging during the day.
Together, these advancements will transform the EV driving experience from simply refuelling to actively participating in a smart, dynamic, and sustainable energy system.
MFG EV Power charging hub in Filton, Patchway.
What measures are you working on to ensure your network hits the target of 99% uptime, as the government has mandated?
Unlike many other Charge Point Operators (CPOs), our network predominantly operates across manned locations, which gives us a unique operational advantage. The presence of on-site staff at most locations enables us to monitor and address issues in real time, drastically reducing response and resolution times. For sites that do not have permanent staff, we have implemented a localised support model, assigning them to teams from the nearest MFG-operated site. This ensures that every site has rapid access to knowledgeable personnel when needed.
In addition to our on-site presence, we have invested in automation tools and proactive monitoring systems that allow us to identify and respond to faults or anomalies immediately — often before they impact users. These tools are central to our strategy, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time diagnostics that help us maintain operational consistency and minimise downtime.
Furthermore, we are supported by an exceptional field operations team comprising Area and Regional Managers. These individuals are not only responsible for supporting new site rollouts but also play a critical role in the ongoing maintenance and auditing of our EV charging infrastructure. Their experience across our broader business operations ensures that our EV estate benefits from the same high standards and meticulous care that we apply to all MFG services.
Together, this integrated approach — combining localised support, intelligent automation, and experienced field operations — forms the backbone of our commitment to meeting and exceeding the 99% uptime target. We continuously review and refine our processes to adapt to evolving demands and ensure that both reliability and user satisfaction remain at the core of our EV charging network.
What's your question for the next CPO we speak to?
What is the most recent innovation in the EV space which you think will have the biggest positive impact to the consumer experience?
