Zest appointed as new EV chargepoint operator in Portsmouth

A new era in electric vehicle (EV) charging is set to arrive in Portsmouth, as more than 300 new chargepoints are due to be installed across the city, with Zest appointed to operate the city's growing EV charging network.

Following a rigorous procurement process earlier this year, Portsmouth City Council selected Zest as the new operator. The partnership will see Zest more than triple the amount of available on-street chargepoints, by installing and managing up to 320 new chargers in residential areas during 2025.

This expansion gives more people access to convenient charging, especially those without driveways or other off-street parking.

As contracts come to an end with existing operators, current plans allow for Zest to take on the existing chargepoint network that has been in place since 2018. Zest will work closely with the council to evaluate existing chargepoints for retention.

The council continues to be at the forefront of technological innovations like this, with new chargepoints strategically located based on community requests, ensuring they're in the most effective locations for residents across the city.

While many EV owners prefer the ease of home charging, that option isn't always available for everyone. By introducing more on-street chargepoints, all Portsmouth residents will have greater access to reliable charging facilities, encouraging the switch to electric vehicles, reducing emissions, and supporting the city's efforts to improve air quality.

The project is being supported by a grant from the government's On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) with matched funding from Zest, a certified B Corp, meaning that they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, to provide and operate the chargepoints over the next 15 years.

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We are committed to providing sustainable transport options for everyone in Portsmouth, and working with Zest to support residents choosing to transition from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is a key part of that. Installing up to 320 new chargepoints will make it easier for people to make the switch to cleaner vehicles and benefit from convenient charging options close to home."

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, said: “We’re excited to partner with Portsmouth City Council, a forward-thinking local authority committed to sustainable transport and improving air quality. To create real change, we need an abundance of convenient charging options that fit seamlessly into people’s lives, and this investment will make the switch to electric vehicles a possibility for drivers across the city.”

The addition of new EV chargepoints forms a crucial part of the city's strategy for reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, and ensures Portsmouth remains at the front of the pack for innovation and electrification of the city's transport network. This move is part of the council's broader push towards sustainable travel options, including zero-emission electric buses, a car club, and rental e-scooters and e-bikes.

Portsmouth residents can also benefit from rapid EV chargepoints, located at key spots around the city for quick charging.

EV drivers can stay up to date on public and on-street chargepoint locations and sign up to the council’s EV newsletter at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ev-chargepoints.