Southend-on-Sea Announces One of the UK’s Largest Local EV Charging Rollouts in Partnership with Zest

Southend-on-Sea City Council has unveiled a major step forward in its climate and transport strategy, confirming a long-term partnership with charging infrastructure provider Zest to install thousands of new public electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces across the city.

Under a 15-year agreement, Zest – a certified B Corp – will deliver more than 3,000 EV charging bays in a variety of locations, using a mix of lamp post chargers, fast chargers and rapid charging hubs. The scale of the rollout places Southend-on-Sea among the most ambitious local authorities in the UK when it comes to EV infrastructure.

The programme is being funded through a combination of £1.4m from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund and a substantial investment from Zest. Crucially, the scheme requires no capital contribution from the council or local taxpayers.

City leaders say the initiative will make EV ownership more accessible by ensuring residents, visitors and businesses have access to reliable charging options, particularly in neighbourhoods where off-street parking is limited. The resulting shift to cleaner vehicles is expected to support the city’s air quality and carbon reduction goals.

Installation will begin in early 2025 and will be phased across the city, with site selection focused on fairness and accessibility.

Leadership Comments

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said the agreement marks a transformative moment:

“This is a major milestone for Southend-on-Sea. Delivering thousands of EV charging spaces will make cleaner travel choices a realistic option for people in every part of our city. This isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade – it’s an investment in a fairer and more sustainable future for our communities. We’re delighted to partner with Zest to drive meaningful change and set a national example.”

Robin Heap, Chief Executive of Zest, said the scale of the rollout shows the city’s commitment to leading the shift to low-carbon transport:

“Southend-on-Sea is demonstrating real leadership with its ambitious EV infrastructure plans. Our partnership is designed to make EV ownership practical for everyone, especially in areas where residents don’t have access to private driveways. This long-term investment reflects the city’s vision and provides a model other local authorities can follow.”