Newport to get on-street charging boost through new partnership

Newport City Council is partnering with Zest, the UK’s fastest growing public EV charging provider, to deliver on-street charging facilities across the city.

A new 15-year deal will see Zest provide and operate 144 on-street EV charging points across 77 locations throughout the city, providing Newport drivers with what the essential infrastructure needed to help drivers make the switch to more sustainable transport.

The project is equally funded by Zest, the Welsh government, and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity at Newport City Council, said: “Tackling climate change is a priority for the council, and we have ambitious targets in place to reduce our carbon emissions over the next six years.

“Partnering with Zest to expand Newport’s EV infrastructure is a crucial step in helping us achieve this goal, as more residents seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to electric vehicles.”

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, added: “By collaborating with progressive local authorities like Newport City Council, Zest can deliver and operate the extensive network of chargers needed to enable drivers to choose to switch to electric vehicles.

“These crucial investments will make the transition to EVs both practical and accessible for people across the city, improve air quality, and enhance the lives of future generations.”