Hackney Council has signed a contract with charging infrastructure provider Zest to provide and operate its charge point roll-out of 2,500 fast and slow chargers.

The move is part of the council’s commitment to decarbonise the transport system in Hackney - a key goal in its Climate Action Plan - and it is set to agree a further contract for up to 150 rapid chargers. This will take the total number of charging points in Hackney to 3,000 by 2026.

All of the charging points will use 100% renewable energy, with a discounted rate available for Hackney residents through Hackney Light and Power, the council’s energy services arm.

The roll-out will be completed at no cost to the council, with its partner Zest, which is backed by the Government-sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, set to fund the capital and operational costs of the programme.

Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, said: ‘Road transport accounts for 24% of UK carbon emissions and is a significant contributor to air pollution, which is why we want to support people to switch to EVs or car clubs – a key part of the goals set out in our new Climate Action Plan.

‘I hope this ambitious plan for thousands of new charging points shows how local councils can be at the forefront of work to tackle climate change, lead innovation and help to pave the way for wider transport decarbonisation in the UK.’

Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said: ‘While we are proud to champion walking, cycling and public transport first and foremost, the switch to EVs will help to tackle pollution and create a greener, healthier Hackney.

‘This programme sits alongside our plans for a low traffic Hackney, with thousands of new bike parking spaces and safer walking routes. Over the next few months we want to work with every community in Hackney to shape where these charging points go across our streets and estates.’

Robin Heap, Zest CEO, said: ‘We’re delighted to partner with Hackney to help deliver on their bold decarbonisation strategy. Providing abundant charging facilities, and supporting car clubs to go electric, will make EV a more natural choice for people across the borough.

‘Our role is to work with organisations that want to build bigger and move faster in EV charging, investing in high quality facilities and providing a convenient long-term service.’

Surrey County Council and the EV infrastructure provider Connected Kerb last week began the installation of 10,000 new charge points at over 1,500 locations across streets and public car parks in the county.

This article was originally published by LAPV.