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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Wilson

Electric vehicle surge embraced by Ayr United as charging points take off at Somerset Park

Ayr United are in the driving seat to capitalise on one of the world's fastest growing markets.

Two electric vehicle charging points are up and running in the Somerset car park.

It follows a new partnership between the club and local firm Connekt, which will offer fans and the public a chance to plug in and be part of the EV revolution.

Latest estimates put the global value of the EV charging station market at $823 billion by 2028.

And United, along with Ayr-based Connekt, are now teaming up to plunder a piece of the pie.

The charging firm's boss, Johnny Manning, told the Ayrshire Post: "It makes perfect business sense for us as a company whose premises literally overlooks Somerset Park.

"I'm from Ayr, support the team and want to see things grow here as much as anyone.

"We also sponsor the club and have boards around the ground - it's a great partnership for us.

"Electronic charging points are popping up everywhere you look, so why not in a football club car park?

"You don't have to be an Ayr fan to use them...anyone can come down during the week and plug in.

"And the good thing is that everyone wins out of it because it's a really nice business model."

Connekt have installed the two charging points with the club's rate of return increasing based on how popular they prove to be.

Johnny, a former Ayr rugby star, added: "People charging their electric cars here will probably be able to do so far cheaper than at their homes or elsewhere.

"They'll be charged 30p/kw and it can vary massively depending on where else you go to plug in.

"Not far from here you can be paying 60p/kw, so it absolutely makes sense to come down to Somerset - whether you're an Ayr United fan or not."

United commercial boss, Martin Tocker, said: "It's another great partnership we have at the club and we're delighted to have Johnny and his team on board.

"The world of electronic vehicles is ever expanding and is only going one way - and we're excited to play our part in that.

"The more people that come down and use them, the better it is for the club, and we look forward to seeing them utilised over the coming months."

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