EV investment to drive Zest’s UK depoyment
Zouk Capital, manager of the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, has increased its commitment to support Zest’s scaling to £60m. The investment supports Zest’s increasing commercial momentum and the CIIF’s goal to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the UK.
Zest was originally set up to make fast charging available where people regularly park for more than 30 minutes, such as for shopping, leisure, or work. However, over the past 12 months, Zest has increased the scope of its operations to include on-street lamp post charging and rapid charging hubs, to create a comprehensive portfolio.
Recent Zest deployments include the retail destinations Metrocentre and Merry Hill, each with more than 50 charge points deployed. Hackney Council recently announced that it has partnered with Zest to roll out 2,500 charge points.
Speaking at Completely Retail Marketplace on Tuesday, Paul Ford, CDO at Zest explained how EV charging points will become ‘expected’ at retail destinations.
Ford added: “Certainly when you consider how many people won’t be able to charge at home, it will be a key facility that I think needs to be provided by retail and hospitality.”
Robin Heap, Zest CEO said: “We’re growing our network by funding and operating large-scale charging infrastructure for public and private landowners. Our open access charge points help tackle climate change, boost local economic growth, and help make EV a realistic option for everyone in society.”