Zest has deployed more than 3,000 public electric vehicle charging points across the UK, passing the milestone just over four years after the company launched. Founded in Leeds in 2021, the Yorkshire-based Zest has grown into what it describes as one of the UK’s largest public charging networks. The company notes that each of its 3,000 points represents an individual charging space, in contrast to operators that count multiple connectors serving a single parking bay.
Highlights
- Zest has deployed more than 3,000 public EV charging points across the UK, roughly four years after launching
- Each charging point represents an individual charging space rather than multiple connectors at one parking bay
- The company works with more than 30 public sector organizations, alongside retail, hospitality and property partners
- Zest has already contracted tens of thousands of additional charging points
Charging Built Around Communities
Zest’s deployment has concentrated on locations close to where people live, work and spend time. The network combines on-street chargers, fast AC charging, and rapid and ultra-rapid DC charging, which the company says allows drivers to charge conveniently whether or not they have access to a driveway.
Robin Heap, CEO and Founder of Zest, said: “Reaching 3,000 charging points is an important milestone, but what makes me most proud is where those charge points are located. We have focused on bringing charging into communities, helping people who don’t have a driveway access the benefits of electric driving.”
Partners Across the Public and Private Sectors
Zest works with more than 30 public sector organizations, alongside retailers, hospitality brands, property owners and destination partners, to expand access to public charging across the UK. The company describes itself as the first B Corp-certified charge point operator, pairing commercial investment with support for the country’s net zero goals.
Scaling the Next Phase of Deployment
The milestone marks one step in a much larger program of investment. Zest says it has already secured contracts for tens of thousands of additional charging points, citing demand from local authorities, landowners and private sector partners. With more projects under construction, the company expects deployment to continue accelerating.
A Call to Reform Standing Charges
Heap used the milestone to press for changes to how public charging is billed. “If we want to accelerate deployment further, one of the biggest barriers we need to address is the standing charge regime applied to public charging,” he said. “Today, a significant proportion of what drivers pay goes towards fixed electricity network charges rather than the energy itself. Reforming that anomaly would lower costs for drivers, improve investment returns and help unlock even faster deployment of charging infrastructure across the UK.”
Sign up for our popular weekly email to catch all the latest EV news!
