EV charging network Zest has invested in new EV charging facilities at Chantry Place in Norwich, one of the region’s largest shopping centres.  

L-R: Zest CEO, Robin Heap with Paul McCarthy, GM at Chantry Place

It’s opening 16 charging bays at the Savills retail destination, which features 90 shops, cafés, and restaurants in Norwich city centre. Zest will also operate and maintain the charging facilities, in order to provide a reliable long-term service for customers and staff.

The chargers at Chantry Place have been selected to reflect the average dwell time, with the 22kW fast chargers able to add around 90 miles range in an hour. The first eight charging bays are now open in the centre’s lower-level car park, with the second phase set to bring eight more in its upper-level car park.

It’s Zest’s latest installation in a rapid series of retail destination projects that includes Metrocentre in the North-East and Merry Hill in the West Midlands.

Recent research by LCP Delta found 74% of UK EV drivers would more frequently visit destinations with charging facilities.

Paul McCarthy of Savills, general manager of Chantry Place, said: “Our aim is to provide an unrivalled retail and dining experience in Norwich and provide everything under one roof for shoppers. We are incredibly proud of the 1,000-space car park we offer and being sustainable is a huge priority for us, so we are incredibly grateful to Zest for their support and putting these EV chargers at Chantry Place.”

Robin Heap, Zest CEO, added: “We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. Retail destinations, such as Chantry Place, that respond now to this demand are those that will thrive as new EV drivers establish their charging habits.”