Zest, a UK-based investor-operator of public EV charging infrastructure, has secured a long-term contract with Thurrock Council to deliver up to 4,046 public chargepoints across the Essex borough. Backed by the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, the project combines public seed funding with private capital from Zest, which will finance approximately 98% of the rollout.
Highlights
- Thurrock Council has contracted Zest to install up to 4,046 public EV chargepoints under a 15-year operating agreement.
- The LEVI fund provides public co-investment, with Zest covering roughly 98% of the project cost through private capital.
- The network will include lamp-post chargers, fast AC units, and rapid DC stations, prioritizing households without off-street parking.
- Approximately 35 existing ORCS chargepoints will transfer to the Zest network.
Project Scope and Infrastructure Mix
The program will deploy a combination of lamp-post chargers, fast AC charging stations, and rapid DC units across Thurrock. Site selection will prioritize on-street households and areas the council has identified as underserved by existing public charging.
Around 35 chargepoints previously installed through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) will migrate to the Zest network. The transfer is intended to consolidate management and improve reliability for drivers already using those sites.
Funding Model
The LEVI fund, a UK government program designed to stimulate local EV charging deployment, provides the public investment component. Zest will fund the remainder — approximately 98% of the total — through private capital. The company is backed by the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), a government-sponsored fund managed by Zouk Capital.
Under the contract, Zest will operate and maintain the network for 15 years, with the infrastructure designed to scale as demand increases.
Regional Context
Thurrock sits within the Thames Gateway growth corridor and serves as an economic hub for the greater London region. The borough is home to major logistics assets including the Port of Tilbury and London Gateway, one of the UK’s largest deep-sea container ports. The council has framed the charging rollout as part of a broader transport strategy intended to support both residential communities and regional commercial activity as EV adoption accelerates.
Zest currently partners with more than 30 public-sector organizations across the UK. The company holds B Corporation certification and was named to the UK’s Top 50 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For by Best Companies in November 2025.
Executive Commentary
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said:
“Thurrock is taking a proactive approach to building the resilient infrastructure needed for the transition to electric vehicles. By combining targeted public funding with long-term private investment, this partnership will deliver a reliable and equitable charging network that supports communities across the borough.”
Heap added: “Zest now works with more than 30 public sector partners across the UK, and we are proud to support Thurrock in delivering infrastructure that will serve residents for years to come.”
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