EV charging operator Zest has launched 56 EV charging sockets at the Metrocentre retail site, marking one of the largest EV charging facilities in the North East.

L-R: Graeme Jones from Sovereign Centros and Zest CEO Robin Heap with one of the Metrocentre charge points

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, specifically chosen to be in-line with the average dwell time at Metrocentre. There are also rapid chargers for on-the-go visitors who need a faster getaway.

Zest is investing around half a million pounds at the site, providing and installing the new facilities and managing their long-term operation.

The latest tie-up with shopping centre operator Sovereign Centros follows hot on the heels of the two companies opening of 64 charging sockets at Merry Hill in 2022.

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.”

It’s the latest project by Zest, which provides and operates EV charging infrastructure for commercial real estate to help destinations such as Metrocentre enhance their visitor experience and increase footfall and spend. The company also works with local authorities across the UK.

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. We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Sovereign Centros, working with them again to provide these new facilities and to support their vision for Metrocentre’s sustainable future.”