More than 300 new charge points are going live across Portsmouth under a partnership with Zest.

Zest will install and manage up to 320 new chargers in residential areas across Portsmouth during 2025

Portsmouth City Council has appointed Zest to operate its growing EV charging network over the next 15 years following a tender process.

The deal will see Zest more than triple the amount of available on-street charge points by installing and managing up to 320 new chargers in residential areas during 2025.

The new charge points will be strategically located based on community requests, ensuring they’re in the most effective locations for residents and making the switch to electric vehicles a possibility for drivers across the city.

Zest will also take on the existing charge point network that has been in place since 2018 as the contracts come to an end with existing operators, and will work closely with the council to evaluate existing charge points for retention.

The project is being supported by a grant from the Government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) with matched funding from Zest.

Councillor Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport, said: “We are committed to providing sustainable transport options for everyone in Portsmouth, and working with Zest to support residents choosing to transition from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles is a key part of that. Installing up to 320 new charge points will make it easier for people to make the switch to cleaner vehicles and benefit from convenient charging options close to home.”

The addition of the new EV charge points is part of the council’s broader push towards sustainable travel options, including zero-emission electric buses, a car club, and rental e-scooters and e-bikes.