Community-centric charging: A practical solution for widespread EV adoption

For many drivers, access to charging facilities is a major barrier to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. In fact, a recent study by Transport and Energy identified charging availability as the leading concern for those considering the switch to EV.

With nearly half of UK households unable to accommodate home charging, there is an urgent need for reliable public charging infrastructure. Even amongst homes that can support charging, current access to private charge points is starkly skewed towards the most affluent, leaving many homes unserved. This highlights the need for public charging infrastructure that is equitably distributed across regions and socioeconomic groups. It is the only approach that will make the transition to electric vehicles inclusive and accessible for all.

Community-centric charging offers a practical and impactful solution by delivering reliable, local EV charging stations right where residents need them most. Research by CACI underscores the importance of this approach, revealing that 27% of EV drivers who avoid public charge points do so due to inconvenient locations. By strategically positioning charging sites based on usage data and tailoring charge point speeds to typical dwell times, these facilities address gaps in the network, providing accessible and user-focused solutions for all drivers.

Community charging initiatives are crucial not only for driving the transition to electric vehicles but also for delivering a range of broader benefits, including:

Complementing local authority EV infrastructure

These sites expand the reach of local authority EV charging projects, filling gaps in areas where public funding is unavailable and increasing overall accessibility for residents.

Regenerating private land with substantial new investment

Unused or neglected land is uplifted with new facilities, transforming unattractive areas into tidy, secure and monitored sites.

Adding public amenity to local communities

Small and rural communities gain access to vital new facilities that add value to local areas and contribute to their development.

Accelerating improvements in urban air quality

A growing share of electric vehicles on the road leads to better air quality, which is directly linked to improved public health outcomes, including reduced risks of cancer, strokes and respiratory infections.

Backed by the government sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), Zest is on a mission to deploy charging facilities synchronised with people’s lives - where they live, work, shop and socialise. We’re developing new charging spaces in communities across the UK, adding vital EV infrastructure exactly where people need it.

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