Source is already turning heads in the EV charging infrastructure market. A joint venture between SSE and TotalEnergies, we bring the expertise of two major players in the energy industry to one of the most important elements of the decarbonisation programme.
At Source, we put our customers at the centre of everything we do, using technology and innovative thinking to build charging hubs that are smarter, faster and accessible
Building Confidence in the EV Charging Experience
By Deepa Chandrasekaran, Managing Director
We recognise that the EV industry has reached a pivotal moment. The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating, and we’re here to lead this transformation with a fresh approach to charging infrastructure.
Our purpose is refreshingly simple: to create a stress-free charging experience for our customers. The latest data and our customers inform everything we do, starting with carefully selected locations. The Ocean Terminal hub in Edinburgh exemplifies this approach – a popular destination in an area previously underserved by EV charging infrastructure. The hub serves both visitors to the centre and local residents who previously had limited charging options.
Every Source hub is thoughtfully designed to be attractive, accessible, and safe at all hours. We understand that EV drivers have diverse needs, which is why our hubs cater to everyone – from solo drivers charging at night and fleet drivers operating 24/7, to families with accessibility requirements.
Site selection isn’t random; it’s guided by comprehensive data analysis that ensures we’re building in locations where charging is most needed. We employ the latest technology to make our hubs intuitive and user-friendly, while our round-the-clock AI-powered monitoring system ensures consistent reliability. With regular maintenance and emergency support always available, you can count on a dependable charging experience every time.
Source’s intuitive app, which allows drivers to charge without the need for pre-authorisation, is an industry first outside of Tesla, and we’ll partner with charge card operators to make it even easier for fleet drivers to use our facilities.
We’re not just building charge points, we’re building confidence
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our ChargeSafe accreditation. The Edinburgh hub received an impressive 4.32 rating, confirming that it meets rigorous safety, lighting, and user experience standards. This gives EV drivers, fleet operators, and business users the confidence that every charge is taking place in a secure, well-maintained, and customer-friendly environment.
If the UK is to meet its net zero targets and the switch to EVs is to play a significant role, then collaboration between the private and public sectors is essential. At Source, we are open to working with anyone who shares these values. With that in mind, at the launch of our first hub in Edinburgh we hosted a roundtable discussion featuring key stakeholders from across the EV ecosystem who explored challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving sector. Among those present were policy influencers, engineers, fleet managers and academics, resulting in a wide-ranging and insightful discussion about the future of EV charging.
Source’s ambitions match the scale of the challenge ahead. Within a few years, we plan to establish the company as a national leader, building 300 hubs by 2030 and aiming for 20% of the market. But we recognise that providing the necessary infrastructure is a collaborative effort. We’re actively seeking partnerships with both public and private sectors to expand the charging network that will power Britain’s electric future.
While our journey began in Edinburgh back in May, our vision extends across the UK and Ireland. The real work starts now, and we’re charging ahead with confidence.
Why Leasing Your Land for an EV Charging Hub is a Win-Win
By Joe Helps, Head of Land Acquisition
According to the EV charging experts ZapMap, almost seven and a half thousand charge points have been added to the UK public network so far in 2025.
There are now over 1,500,000 fully electric cars in the UK, a three-fold increase from 2021.
For landowners and property managers, this shift presents a compelling opportunity to diversify income streams while contributing to the nation’s sustainable infrastructure.
Having spent years in commercial property before moving into the EV sector, I understand many property owners remain uncertain about the benefits and implications of leasing land for EV charging infrastructure – but I also recognise the significant advantages this emerging market has to offer.
The Commercial Proposition
Unlike traditional commercial developments, EV charging hubs require minimal input from landowners. At Source we will manage everything from planning applications to infrastructure installation, removing the burden of capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance from the property owner.
A long lease provides landlords with guaranteed long-term income and committing to renewable energy and sustainable practices helps property owners enhance their environmental credentials – an increasingly important consideration for many tenants and stakeholders. A 2023 Deloitte survey found 77% of businesses prefer partnerships with environmentally conscious companies, with EV infrastructure being a key indicator of commitment.
“Minimal initial capex, long-term and inflation-proof rental income, improved ESG credentials — these are top of mind for landlords,” said Tom Wyatt, Asset Management for Harvey Spack Field.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While the opportunity is clear, there are practical challenges to navigate. Landlords considering EV partnerships should be aware of:
Lease Lengths vs Flexibility:
EV operators often seek 20–30 year leases to justify their investment. Landlords must carefully consider how these leases align with wider site plans, particularly for multi-let properties or assets with redevelopment potential.
“Certain landlords want rental guarantees or 5-year breaks, which can be difficult to accommodate in EV lease models,” said Mike Spens of Savills.
Covenant Strength and Reliability:
Not all EV providers are created equal. Landlords increasingly prioritise working with financially secure, experienced operators who can demonstrate a track record of delivery — avoiding the risks associated with “newco” ventures with limited capital backing.
“The market has been bombarded by operators with little or no track record,” noted Mike.
Tom added: “Landlords want proof of trading accounts or guarantees to feel confident.”
Power Availability and Infrastructure:
Grid capacity remains a limiting factor for some sites. Early collaboration with an EV partner who understands power requirements — and can advise on grid upgrades if needed — is essential.
“The major challenge is the availability and cost of delivering power,” said Tom Wyatt.
Technology Evolution:
Some landlords are concerned about the pace of charging technology change. Partnering with adaptable operators like Source which upgrades infrastructure over time, rather than installing fixed technology with no futureproofing, mitigates this risk.
“Why lock into one technology now, which may change in 5 years?” — Savills
Ideal locations
Our focus currently is on areas with populations of 50,000 or more, targeting the UK’s top 250 towns and cities. Ideal locations include primary arterial routes, densely populated areas, major transport hubs, Drive-Thru/development opportunities, retail parks and destination locations throughout the UK.
The focus on urban and high-traffic locations is deliberate. Current EV adoption patterns show higher concentrations in metropolitan areas, where many residents lack home charging capabilities. By positioning hubs in these locations, we can guarantee the utilisation rates needed to make the investment viable for all parties.
The Fleet Opportunity
Consider carefully the needs of fleet operators when deciding on the design of your hub. Fleet drivers will prioritise availability above everything else. With the deadlines many face these days, they just can’t afford to wait for charging access or for too long once they plug in so an operator pioneering innovative solutions such as bookable or dedicated charging bays during specific time slots would be a good choice.
Whilst the van market is not growing as strongly as the car market, the number of electric vans has grown ten-fold since the end of 2020.
Source: A Trusted Partner for Land-Based EV Charging Solutions
At Source, we believe that collaboration with landowners is central to building the future of transport.
As a trusted EV infrastructure provider, we offer:
- Strong financial backing and industry experience
- A nationwide rollout plan focused on ultra-rapid charging
- End-to-end support from site evaluation to installation and ongoing maintenance
- Source identifies and procures grid capacity at its own cost
- A partnership approach focused on flexibility, transparency, and shared success
With zero capital outlay required and full operational support, Source makes it easy for landowners to unlock new revenue — while supporting cleaner transport across the UK and Ireland.
Designing the Future of Charging Hubs
By Patrick Howley, Development Director, and Ben Brunt, Engineering Manager
At Source, we’re revolutionising how we think about charging hubs, crafting clean, connected communities where sustainability and user experience converge.
A Fresh Approach to Hub Design
When we get given the space, our design process is guided by accessibility and manoeuvrability. This customer-first mindset permeates every aspect of our design process.
Many of our charging bays are deliberately wider and longer than the traditional 2.4 by 4.8-metre standard, with a minimum of 10% designed to be fully accessible.
But Source’s innovation extends beyond mere dimensions. Our design team has developed unique modular CAD blocks that can be manoeuvred and adapted to different sites – from existing retail parks to greenfield developments. This flexibility allows for creative solutions, such as charging bays arranged around roundabouts rather than more traditional linear layouts.
And every site is designed with adequate lighting, protective bollards, and clear sightlines to ensure users feel secure during their charging experience.
Sustainability is embedded in our design DNA. When Biodiversity Net Gain standards apply, we’ll innovate to meet them. One of our hubs in the Southwest, for example, features comprehensive landscaping designed in collaboration with ecologists, creating charging hubs that enhance rather than detract from local ecosystems.
Our commitment to renewable energy as standard sets us apart in an industry where green credentials are often an afterthought. As the child of TotalEnergies and SSE – the latter being the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy – Source brings genuine sustainability credentials to every project.
Innovation Through Systems and Standards
The operations team has been transforming how quickly and efficiently sites can be delivered. The introduction of SiteTracker, a comprehensive project management system, represents a significant advancement in industry practice.
This systematic approach extends to Source’s newly developed standards pack – a comprehensive guide that ensures consistency across all projects whilst elevating supplier performance. The focus isn’t just on speed, but on creating a reliable framework that maintains Source’s commitment to excellence across our expanding network.
Community-Centric Development
Source’s tagline promises “clean, connected communities,” and this commitment influences every design decision. The team actively considers local opinion and community needs, recognising that successful charging infrastructure must integrate seamlessly into existing neighbourhoods.
Plans are underway for enhanced amenities – from rest areas and vending machines to car washing facilities and even on-site gyms and children’s play areas. We understand that EV charging is about more than just powering vehicles.
Regional Excellence, National Standards
Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, Source is organising into regional teams that understand local needs whilst maintaining national consistency. This structure allows us to work with local suppliers where possible, supporting community economies whilst ensuring reliable project delivery.
At Source, we want to set standards and ensure everyone rises to meet them, we want to lead by example. Our ultimate goal is to achieve the first 5-star ChargeSafe rating in the UK.
The Future of EV Charging
Source represents more than just another charging network – we’re architects of a sustainable transport future. By combining SSE’s renewable energy expertise with TotalEnergies’ infrastructure knowledge and adding our own innovative approach to design and delivery, Source is setting new benchmarks for what EV charging infrastructure can and should be.
Our ultra-rapid chargers offer top-level performance with dynamic power allocation, ensuring efficient charging for today’s vehicles whilst remaining adaptable for tomorrow’s advancing battery technology. It’s this forward-thinking approach, combined with genuine care for user experience and community integration, that positions Source as an industry leader.
As the UK moves towards full electric vehicle adoption, Source isn’t just keeping pace – we’re helping to build the infrastructure that will make that transition seamless, sustainable, and genuinely stress-free for every driver.
