Zest

⚡ Did you hear the London Borough of Hackney’s recent EV charging announcement?

In case you missed it, the Council published a new map showing the locations of over 2,500 planned EV charge points.

This follows Hackney’s announcement last year of its intention to become a national leader in EV charging with a partnership with Zest to provide and operate over 1,500 lamp column chargers and 1,000 free standing fast chargers.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3Hd5hiJ

Hackney Council launches map of UK's leading EV charging network | Zest Hackney Council has published a new EV charging map showing the locations of over 2,500 planned chargers - as part of its drive to tackle air pollution and climate change.

With over 975,000 fully electric vehicles and a further 590,000 plug-in hybrids on UK roads at the end of 2023, the demand for electric models continues to rise. As more people consider the switch to EV, myths continue to circulate surrounding EV ownership and charging.

Read about some of the common myths and misconceptions here: https://bit.ly/3NQyFiD

5 Commonly Misunderstood Myths about Electric Vehicles - Automotive Blog As public demand for sustainable transport solutions continues to rise worldwide, electric vehicles

Happy New Year from the Zest team 🎉

After many exciting projects and announcements in 2023, this year we are looking forward to accelerating our efforts to propel the EV revolution forward. We are excited to share even milestones with you this year as we work together towards transport decarbonisation.

“A husband and wife from Aberdeen have made history after completing a ‘really tough’ mission to drive from the Arctic to Antarctica in an electric car.”

A couple made a 30,000km journey to the South Pole using their electric car in what is thought to be the first time any car has completed this drive.

They stopped at EV charge points along the way and upon reaching the polar regions where there were no chargers available, they utilised a wind turbine and solar devise to power their journey with renewable energy.

Read more about their journey here: https://bbc.in/3tqKQLV

Couple from Aberdeen finish pole to pole electric car challenge The Aberdeen husband and wife set off in March to drive 18,000 miles from the Arctic to Antarctica.

“Getting companies to think beyond the bottom line could boost the economy”.

Thinktank Demos has called for a rewrite of the UK’s Companies Act to include purpose as well as a profit motive. It’s a step that more than 1,600 certified B Corporations in the UK, including Zest, have already taken, joining the global B Lab movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

Beyond the positive impacts on people and the planet, research by Demos suggests a shift towards purpose-led business, which commits to the triple bottom line framework, could boost the UK economy by £149bn.

Read more here:

Over half of London’s black cabs are zero emission capable (ZEC), Transport for London has reported.

Since 2018, all newly licensed taxis in London have been required to be ZEC, meaning that they must be able to travel a minimum of 20 miles with zero emissions. Currently, out of the total fleet of 14,960 black cabs, 7,972 are zero emission capable, a figure that has increased by 10% in the last six months.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said: "With continued financial support and further investment in rapid charging infrastructure, cabbies will keep working towards a fully zero-emission fleet, whilst providing the same high-quality, reliable, accessible service London's taxis are known for."

Zest has signed contracts to deploy over 100 new rapid charging bays across the TfL network. This partnership, as part of the Mayor’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery (EVID) project, will help black cab drivers to achieve a zero-emission fleet, whilst supporting further transport decarbonisation strategies across the city.

Majority of London's black cabs now 'zero emission capable' Over half of the capital's black cabs can cover minimum journeys powered by electric batteries.

According to the annual survey of sustainability in higher education, increasing numbers of UK universities are cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry in response to student campaigns. Students have pushed for education and research institutions to revoke investment in companies responsible for global warming.

People and Planet, the student network, has published its sustainability university league table. The table reveals that 72% of the universities surveyed have pledged to separate from fossil fuels, an increase from 65% in 2022.

The league table was topped by the University of Reading owed to its improvements in its carbon emissions, workers’ rights and ethical investment.

Post-1992 universities ranked well, securing 66% of first-class awards and three of the top five slots. Russell Group universities had just one in the top 10 in this year’s rankings: King’s College London. However, 58% of Russell Group institutions received a 2:1 award or higher, up from previous years.

The most impressive improvement came from the University of Gloucestershire, which leapt 80 places, and achieved a first-class award in contrast to a third last year. The University of Birmingham shot up 51 places, gaining a 2:2 having previously scored a fail, meaning all Russell Group universities are scoring passing grades.

This highlights the positive trend amongst universities to prioritise sustainability and distance themselves from partnerships that contradict their commitment to sustainable values.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3NwfJWg
See where your university scored here: https://bit.ly/41rQzxz

More UK universities cutting ties with fossil fuel industry Student pressure pushes higher education institutions to commit to divesting from fossil fuels

It’s always nice to talk about good news!

With worry about climate change at the forefront of many people’s minds, it can be difficult to remember to celebrate the positive stories.

Take a moment to read the BBC’s "Five reasons for optimism on climate" and learn about the promising advancements that are being made to combat climate change.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67627242

COP28: Five reasons for optimism on climate Amid all the doom and gloom on climate change, there are some good reasons for cautious optimism.

“Despite the shorter-term hurdles, developing and implementing clear decarbonization and resilience strategies now is the smart decision for longer-term performance. In many respects, the commercial case for sustainable buildings has never been stronger.”

JLL has published a detailed report outlining the commercial case for making buildings more sustainable. Amongst the research, the report outlines key questions for investors developing a business case. As well considering the returns on sustainable investments, including lower operational costs and higher occupancy levels, it suggests exploring new revenue opportunities such as electric vehicle (EV) charging contracts.

As more companies demand office space that aligns with their low-carbon objectives, and buildings face tougher performance regulations, developing sustainable spaces has become a priority in securing long-term success.

At Zest, we are working in partnership with those in the commercial real estate industry to support sustainable, low-carbon strategies by providing fully managed EV charging solutions.

Download the report here: https://bit.ly/488kAVk

The business case for making buildings more sustainable Creating a more sustainable and resilient real estate future

What does it mean to be a B Corp? Fellow UK B Corp Raconteur has produced a report exploring the B Corp movement and the growing UK B Corp community.

The report delves into some engaging topics, including “Why the work of a B Corp never stops” and “Why consumers shouldn’t ignore B Corps”, and shares insights for aspiring B Corporations on how to approach the rigorous certification process.

At Zest, we are proud to have gained our B Corp certification earlier this year, joining a community of like-minded organisations which commit to prioritising people and planet alongside profit.

Read the report here: https://bit.ly/4a9smjy

The B Corp Movement 2023 Report - Raconteur The B Corp movement has been growing at pace in recent years, as more and more businesses try to burnish their responsible credentials and retain their ethically minded talent. But what really goes into the making of a B Corp? And how can these businesses make the most of their certified status?

Zest has partnered Bristol-based fleet dealership, Chandler Motor Company, to introduce Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at its premises.

The Temple Meads company is Citroen approved as an aftersales dealership, specialising in repair and maintenance. Chandlers also provides London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVCs) vans, which produces electric London black cabs, and police and fire service vans.

Peter Chandler, Managing Director of Chandler Motor Company is pleased to be part of this growth in the EV market: “We are committed to bringing EV charging to this part of Bristol. Serving vehicles that we maintain and repair, our charge points will also benefit the residential community, taxis, emergency services and other drivers visiting this part of the city.”

The chargers are situated in a busy thoroughfare in Bristol, close to the train station on a thriving industrial estate. There is also a residential area nearby, illustrating the wider need for charging infrastructure in this part of the city.

Zest CEO, Robin Heap said: “It is great to see Chandlers embracing EV charging provision in this way given the significant role it delivers within the motor industry. With one of the UK’s largest teams of EV charging experts, that guarantees a fully managed service, we can provide the long-term dependability that is essential for this dealership and blue light services.

Its location and the benefits to these groups and the wider public made it an easy decision for us to invest here.”

Zest worked with expert contractors Adler and Allan to complete the installation work.

Read more here https://bit.ly/415LpXY

Electric vehicles could soon see a drop in price.

An article by Business Insider explored the recent global EV trends, identifying developments which could impact the price of electric vehicles and make them more affordable for consumers.

Battery technology is progressing quickly, and advances in both lithium-ion and newly developed sodium-ion batteries could have significant impacts on EVs. Goldman Sachs has predicted battery prices will fall 40% by 2025 and as battery packs are currently the single largest cost, this will lead to better prices for consumers.

Also, the increase in adoption of EVs will enable economies of scale to be established for automotive companies. The capacity to manufacture EVs at large scale will decrease production costs and in turn, bring down the cost of an EV.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/46uAvfr

3 reasons why electric cars will soon get a lot cheaper High prices have hit demand for EVs, but better battery technology, more charging points, and economies of scale are set to transform the equation.

Brent, Zest and Uber have partnered to provide 160 new on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging bays to be installed across 80 locations in Brent. The first of these opened this week in West Ella Road. These on-street charging points will improve access for those without private driveways or access to a charge point at home.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3QZDNl4

Brent Council works with Zest and Uber to double the number of fast EV chargers | Zest The first of 80 new charge points opened this week in West Ella Road

Electric vehicles have been around for longer than you might think!

An interesting article by The Guardian delves into the history of EVs, revealing their previous popularity and broad adoption.

Whilst electric vehicles may seem like a modern invention, they have roots dating back to the Victorian era. In fact, by the early 20th century, EVs had entered widespread commercial circulation and made up a third of all cars in the US, with many ambulances, fire engines and taxis being powered by electricity worldwide.

Take a look at the evolution of EVs throughout the decades, you might be surprised.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/oct/24/amazing-infuriating-history-electric-car-in-pictures

Shock of the old: the amazing, infuriating history of the electric car – in pictures Believe it or not, battery-powered vehicles have been around since Victorian times – everything from private automobiles to taxis, ambulances and tricycles. We’ve got the photos to prove it

Congratulations to this year’s New London Awards winners.

Zest proudly sponsored the Transport and Infrastructure category, which was awarded to the Dukes Meadow Footbridge project. The initiative developed a new pedestrian bridge in Chiswick, joining previously disconnected sections of the Thames Path to improve accessibility, safety and leisure opportunities for the area.

It was a great evening celebrating all the innovative work across London’s built environment.

Read more about the winners here: https://bit.ly/47AqbU8

Zest has opened new EV charging facilities at The Great Barn - an 18th century wedding venue on the Northamptonshire/ Oxfordshire border.

The EV opportunity for leisure and hospitality destinations is compelling, and venues like The Great Barn are meeting the growing demand and creating value for their customers through EV charging facilities.

The Great Barn has an ongoing commitment to sustainability. “The food we use is locally sourced and ethically produced, and renewable power is generated by our 25kW solar panels,” explained Jerry Stephenson, Managing Director at The Great Barn.

Finding a reliable partner to provide and manage the EV charging service over the long term was vital. Zest, with its sustainability credentials and expert knowledge was an ideal fit for us.”

Zest takes care of everything at no cost to the venue, leaving The Great Barn team free to focus on their business, knowing that the EV charging service is in safe hands.

Read full news release: https://bit.ly/3SHoos5

Zest opens EV charging facilities at The Great Barn, a popular Oxfordshire wedding venue | Zest The Great Barn team can focus on their business, knowing that the EV charging service is in safe hands.

New regulations have been passed by the UK Government aiming to improve the EV charging experience for a fast-growing number of EV drivers:

⚡ Contactless payment capability: Charge point operators (CPOs) will be required to offer simpler payment methods, including contactless.
⚡ 99% uptime: EV charging networks will need to maintain a minimum 99% reliability, assuring CPOs monitor and address any faults as they arise.
⚡ Payment roaming abilities: drivers must be able to pay to charge using a payment service provided by a third party roaming provider.
⚡ 24/7 helpline support: CPOs will offer drivers access to free 24/7 helplines for assistance with any issues charging on public roads.
⚡ Clear pricing: public charge point prices must be transparent and easy to compare.
⚡ Real-time networks status: CPOs will be required to open up their data, so drivers can easily find available charge points.

James Court, CEO, Electric Vehicle Association England said: “As the rollout of charging infrastructure gathers momentum, these regulations will ensure quality and help put consumers needs at the heart of this transition.”

These regulations should improve driver confidence in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and make the switch to EV more attractive to drivers. At Zest, we are committed to providing industry-leading quality and charging experiences for all drivers. Our partners can rest assured we will maintain compliance with all future regulations.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-laws-to-make-charging-an-electric-vehicle-easier-and-quicker

New laws to make charging an electric vehicle easier and quicker Regulations to improve the EV charging experience for millions of drivers.

Stellantis has announced a new range of electric vans.

Thanks to a new customer-centric renewal strategy, brands Citroën, Fiat Professional, Peugeot and Vauxhall will all benefit from a new line-up of electric vehicles with increased range and improvements in battery performance.

The electrification of fleet vehicles remains important in reducing dependence on internal combustion engine vehicles, playing an essential role in transport decarbonisation. These continued advancements can offer many sectors the confidence and reassurance needed to transform their fleets to low-carbon electric vehicles.

Read the article here: https://bit.ly/3MAkE89

Stellantis refreshes electric vans under Pro One banner Changes to the electric vans from Citroën, Fiat Professional, Peugeot and Vauxhall/Opel brands, include a boost in range and technology updates.

As urban and transport planning undergoes a shift to comply with changing environmental standards and expectations, it creates the opportunity for health to become a priority in decision-making. Switching from internal engine combustion vehicles to electric vehicles, while promoting active forms of transport when possible, such as cycling and walking, could have a great impact on health.

Read the blog post here: https://bit.ly/3Sq23PO

Decarbonising infrastructure: Why we should prioritise health in urban and transport planning | Zest As urban and transport planning undergoes a shift to comply with changing environmental standards, it creates the opportunity for health to become a priority in decision-making.

Jaguar Land Rover is continuing to invest in electric vehicles with the unveiling of a new testing lab in Whitley.

The £250m facility is developing Electric Drive Units for multiple JLR models including the iconic Defender. This progress highlights the advantages resulting from the expansion of the EV market; the state-of-the-art site has created 350 jobs with more to come, as JLR plans to invest a further £22m in the facility.

JLR’s next EV, the Range Rover BEV, has reportedly been undergoing extensive testing at the lab. This vehicle model is due to be on the roads next year, and JLR is planning to launch eight other electric luxury models by 2030.

Read more here: https://bbc.in/3MuG9XQ

As the world's largest contributor of carbon emissions, the real estate sector holds great responsibility in the global effort to achieve net zero.

Find out how the industry can meet this challenge, featuring three key steps suggested by Property Week:

https://bit.ly/47iKmGb

Real estate’s path to sustainability: meeting the net zero challenge | Zest As the world's largest contributor of carbon emissions, the real estate sector holds great responsibility in the global effort to achieve net zero. Find out how the industry can meet this challenge, featuring three key steps suggested by Property Week.

Zest is proud to celebrate Certification Nation Day on 1 November, along with other Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies across the country. Great Place to Work® designated this event to honour and acknowledge those creating great places to work for all.

Becky Mee, People Director at Zest, explained why it’s important to acknowledge it: “We work hard to create a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation here at Zest. We’re excited to showcase our amazing colleagues, and what they do every day to serve our customers, because it’s the people that make Zest what it is. We’re pleased to be part of Certification Nation Day alongside so many prestigious organisations.”

Named as a Great Place to Work earlier this year, Zest was later ranked one of the Best Technology Companies and Best Workplaces for Women - the only UK Charge Point Operator to achieve such honours.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, recognised worldwide for identifying outstanding employee experiences.

“Great Place to Work Certification is a major competitive advantage in the market for talent. By celebrating Certification, companies are enhancing their employer brand and becoming more attractive to potential candidates, making it easier to recruit and retain top talent” says Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work UK.

Zest has been announced as one of the 2023 Wired Trailblazers – a collection of forward-thinking and fast-growth scale-ups recognised as “pushing boundaries and solving the social, economic and environmental issues of our time”.

Set up in 2022 by WIRED Consulting and HSBC UK, the Wired Trailblazers programme was established to identify and bring together organisations that are delivering positive outcomes for people and the planet. This year Zest’s home county Yorkshire was identified as one of the UK’s innovation hotspots.

Read the blog post here: https://bit.ly/3QCMx1C

Zest named as one of the 2023 WIRED Trailblazers | Zest Zest has been announced as one of the 2023 Wired Trailblazers - a community of forward-thinking, fast-growth scale-ups.

The UK government is investing £89 million into pioneering green technologies to become a world leader in zero-emissions vehicle technology.

The series of investments involves 20 projects at the forefront of developing innovative EV battery systems and a new lithium scale-up plant.

These net zero technology projects are also predicted to benefit the UK economy and result in the creation of 4700 British jobs whilst saving nearly 65 million tonnes of cO2 from being released over the next decade.

The government is funding £45.2 million into advancing EV technologies with the initial investment being further supported by £42.7 million from the automotive industry.

The Minister for Industry and Economic Security, Nusrat Ghani, added, "From net-zero tractors to cutting-edge battery projects, we’re taking decisive action to back the UK’s innovators and ensure we remain at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle technology."

Zest supports government efforts to develop an end-to-end supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles in the UK by building a network that makes charging easy, convenient and accessible to all.



https://bit.ly/400WpFy

£89 million of funding to develop cutting edge new electric vehicle technology £89 million of funding has been awarded to 20 cutting edge net zero tech projects, reinforcing the UK as a world leader in zero emissions vehicle technology.

What’s next for long-term infrastructure investment?

Recently, Zest CEO Robin Heap joined a panel of leading investors, charge point operators and industry experts at the Infralogic Investors Forum. The panel engaged in an insightful discussion, considering strategies to address the rising EV charging demand across Europe.

Read the key takeaways from Robin Heap here: https://bit.ly/3ScLpTK

Infralogic on EV Charging – what’s next for long term infrastructure investment? | Zest I took part in the Infralogic Investors Forum, discussing the current state and outlook for the infrastructure finance industry. These are my key takeaways.

We’re excited to announce that Zest is sponsoring the 2024 MJ Awards for the 3rd consecutive year.

The Best Transport Decarbonisation Project celebrates local authorities with the ability to design and deliver a vision for local infrastructure - enabling the switch to low carbon journeys.

Entries are open now to innovative local transport decarbonisation projects https://bit.ly/46YcKNv that make a measurable difference to the environment and communities.

The MJ Awards is an inspiring event, bringing people together to showcase achievements and recognise the hard work benefiting many people across the UK.

The deadline for submissions is 26 January.


https://bit.ly/470oGOX

Home - The MJ Achievement Awards 2024 Discover why you should attend the biggest local government awards ceremony of the year!

It’s great to see the launch of a new transport decarbonisation initiative in our home town of Leeds.

This autumn, 300 e-bikes will become available to rent across Leeds city centre and surrounding areas, providing residents and visitors with a new, eco-friendly way to get around.

The electric bikes, made possible through funding from the West Yorkshire mayoral devolution deal, see Leeds City Council partner with Beryl Bikes, an experienced bike rental company named after legendary Leeds cyclist Beryl Burton.

Schemes like this exemplify the strides that can be taken towards sustainable travel when local authorities join forces with private sector organisations.

It’s through partnerships of this nature that towns and cities will gain the infrastructure they need to become cleaner, greener, and achieve net zero.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-66809606

Leeds City Bikes: E-bike rental scheme launches Leeds City Bikes can be hired via an app, with docking bays installed across the city centre.

Last week the Zest team attended the Accessible Retail Conference in London.

Zest Chief Development Officer Paul Ford, who spoke about the EV retail revolution, said “The rise in EV adoption presents a compelling opportunity for the retail sector. The provision of EV charging infrastructure not only offers an enhanced customer experience for the fast-growing segment of EV owners, but also drives positive brand perception. Customers are more likely to perceive a destination with abundant EV charge points as environmentally friendly and socially responsible.”

For businesses in the retail industry, Zest can help cater to and create value for EV driving customers through long-term EV charging solutions at scale. Follow Zest for news and updates or visit the Zest website for more information about our EV charging solutions: https://bit.ly/3FMaYnD

The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off earlier this month in France.

As an official partner of the competition, Land Rover launched a limited-edition Defender model in June. This version of the iconic off-roader is a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV), and it represents Land Rover’s commitment to sustainability. Moreover, to help tackle the carbon impact of the tournament, Land Rover provided a fleet of 200 PHEVs to chauffeur VIPs and referees between the venues.

As one of the UK’s fastest growing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging operators, Zest shares Land Rover’s vision of a greener future for transport.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3tKggMY