Zest and North Yorkshire Council open rapid EV charge points across Ryedale.

Cllr Keane Duncan and Zest CEO Robin Heap

EV charging infrastructure network, Zest, has worked with North Yorkshire Council to open the first in a series of rapid charging facilities in Helmsley, Malton, and Pickering. The initial deployment provides six dual-socket charge points across the three market towns: Cleveland Way Car Park in Helmsley, Water Lane Car Park in Malton and Eastgate Car Park in Pickering

The next phase of the project will add two new charging facilities in Pickering and another in Norton-on-Derwent. The charge points are provided, operated, and maintained over the long term by Zest, meaning there are no costs for the council.

Millions of people visit North Yorkshire every year. Tourism is a £1.5 billion industry, and an increasing number of visitors are driving electric.

Councillor Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for Highways and Transportation said: “We’re delighted to partner with Zest to provide rapid charge points in Helmsley, Malton, and Pickering. Our strategy is to support North Yorkshire residents and businesses, and ensure we remain a destination of choice for visitors with electric vehicles. As the EV market continues to grow, we are determined to keep pace with the demand for a high-quality charging experience.”

Robin Heap, Zest CEO, said: “These high-quality micro hubs inject vitality to rural towns, making it easier to switch to EV, attracting new visitors and encouraging business to invest. North Yorkshire Council is backing its ambitious strategy with bold action, and we are proud they chose to work with Zest.”

Zest engaged Yorkshire-based expert contractors, Jones Electric, to carry out the installation.