Metrocentre expands its EV infrastructure with Zest

Zest, one of the UK’s fastest growing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging operators, has announced the launch of 42 EV charging sockets at Metrocentre, with a further 14 to follow later in the year.

Zest is making a significant investment of around half a million pounds at the centre, providing and installing the new facilities and managing their long-term operation.

Abundant charge points make it easier for EV drivers when they visit, and the newly unveiled sockets, along with the centre’s existing provision, represent one of the largest EV charging facilities in the North East. The EV charge points are spread across three of the centre’s car parks, with the majority being fast chargers which top-up cars in a couple of hours. There are also rapid chargers for on-the-go visitors who need a faster getaway.

Graeme Jones, Director at Sovereign Centros, commented: “We are committed to pushing for a more sustainable future across all our destinations, and ensuring accessibility to EV charging is a key part of this. Having worked with Zest on other projects, we saw them as the perfect partner to deliver this for Metrocentre, ultimately helping to deliver our sustainable vision, and removing one of the main barriers to the EV switch for drivers across the North East.”

According to research conducted by CACI, 68% of consumers who intend to own an EV will visit retailers and businesses more frequently if they provide the right charging facilities. EV sales in the North East increased by 72% in 2022, and a third of people in the UK now intend to make an EV their next car. The new facilities, provided and installed by Zest, create a significant opportunity for destinations like Metrocentre to enhance their visitor experience and increase footfall and spend.

Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: “In the future we’ll just charge where we park, as part of our normal routine. Retail and leisure destinations that provide the right EV facilities first, as new habits are being formed, are those that will thrive in the migration to EV.”