Central Co-op is rolling out EV charging facilities across a growing number of stores in the Midlands, Lancashire and East Anglia in partnership with Zest.

EV charging is now live at six Central Co-op sites – Wirksworth, Shelton Lock, Wildwood, Hambleton, Hethersett Local Centre and Thornton‑Cleveleys – with speeds ranging from 30kW to 120kW. A further 20 stores are now in the pipeline, as Zest delivers charging facilities across a mix of new and existing stores, as well as at selected petrol stations.

The partnership will offer customers the convenience of topping up while they shop, helping to meet the growing demand for reliable EV charging at retail locations. It also supports Central Co-op in its mission to create a sustainable society for all.

Under the multi-year agreement, Zest funds, deploys and operates the charging infrastructure; part of the firm’s growing portfolio of partnerships with national retailers.

Andy Peake, Central Co-op chief operating officer, said: “We have ambitious goals to build on our longstanding carbon-neutral commitments and aim to be 100% green energy self-sufficient by 2030 and net zero by 2040. Working with key partners such as Zest to facilitate better access to EV charging moves us further along on our journey to sustainability.”

Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: “Expanding EV charging into retail locations such as Central Co-op stores ensures that sustainable transport is accessible where people live, work and shop. As a B Corp, we share the values of the Co-op movement, and we are making charging more convenient for customers while helping stores play a leading role in the transition to cleaner, more responsible mobility.”