How Mer Fleet Services Supported JD Sports’ EV Transition

Mer Fleet Services delivered a full end-to-end EV charging solution for JD Sports, from design and installation through to ongoing O&M, to support the company’s zero-carbon future ambitions.

The Client

JD Sports is one of the world’s leading sports fashion retailers. Founded in the UK in 1981, the company has grown from a single store to a global business with thousands of outlets across multiple continents. With sustainability at the heart of its long-term strategy, JD Sports is committed to building a resilient, zero-carbon future, reducing the impact of climate change while also driving inclusive, long-term business growth.

The Brief

JD Sports approached Mer Fleet Services needing reliable, fit-for-purpose EV charging at its Rochdale distribution centre. Two legacy chargers installed by a previous provider were in poor condition, and the business wanted to significantly expand its charging capacity to support a growing number of EV users on site.

There were three distinct user groups to consider:

Local employees who wanted the option to charge at work
Shift workers needing convenient access
Company car drivers who often need rapid charging whilst visiting the site

JD Sports’ Fleet Manager, Eric Bristow, was clear that each group had different needs, and that the solution should also reflect that with separate tariffs.

“As part of our business approach to sustainability, we wanted a solution that met the needs of our EV car fleet drivers and would also encourage our staff to ‘go green’ themselves. We’re very pleased with the design and implementation from Mer, everyone involved worked neatly, efficiently, and with good communication.” – Eric Bristow, Fleet Manager Passenger Cars, JD Sports

The Solution

JD Sports chose Mer Fleet Services in part for Mer’s ability to manage the complete project: design, hardware supply, back-office set-up, tariff configuration and ongoing maintenance.

Mer Fleet Services delivered and installed 24 sockets across a mix of AC and DC chargers – including 2 × 7 kW AC replacements, 10 × 22 kW AC and 2 × 50 kW DC units. Mer also configured three separate tariffs for each user group.

Two challenges shaped the approach:

Timing: October marks the start of the Christmas rush for JD Sports and any large-scale works would have disrupted operations. As a result, Mer used a phased installation – completing groundworks before that time, pausing during the Christmas rush, and returning to finish the site before the end of January.

Accessibility: The existing site layout meant that the larger DC chargers might obstruct the footpath and compromise wheelchair access. So, Mer redesigned the layout to move these units onto the tarmac, resolving the issue without reducing capacity.

Mer Fleet Services received positive feedback across the whole project, including for subcontractors who were efficient, communicative, and tidy on site.

“JD Sports had very specific operational requirements, and our job was to make sure the infrastructure we designed and delivered reflected them. It’s exactly the kind of project where Mer’s end-to-end approach makes a real difference, and we’re ready to deliver any further support the JD Sports team needs.” – Dan Robinson, Strategic Sales Manager, Mer UK

Interested in how Mer Fleet Services can help design and deliver EV charging infrastructure for your fleet or workplace? Talk to one of Mer Fleet Service’s EV charging experts to find out how we can support your journey towards sustainable mobility.