Southend-on-Sea City Council, in partnership with Zest, will deliver thousands of new public electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces across the city.
Under a 15-year agreement, Zest, will deploy over 3,000 charging spaces in a range of locations across Southend-on-Sea, including a combination of lamp post, fast and rapid chargers to suit drivers’ needs.
The project represents one of the largest local EV charging deployments in the UK, supporting Southend-on-Sea’s ambition to create a cleaner, more sustainable transport system for all.
The project has received £1.4m from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, in addition to investment from Zest.
The initiative will seek to ensure residents, businesses, and visitors have convenient, reliable access to EV charging, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality.
The new network will be rolled out in phases, with installation due to kick off early next year. Sites will be chosen to ensure equitable access for all communities, particularly areas without off-street parking.
Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Daniel Cowan, said: “This is a big moment for Southend-on-Sea. By bringing thousands of new EV charging spaces to our streets, we’re making it easier for people across our city to choose cleaner, greener ways to travel.
“This project is about more than infrastructure, it’s about making sure every resident, every business and every visitor has access to the tools they need to be part of a more sustainable future.
“We’re proud to be working with Zest to deliver real change for our communities and lead the way nationally.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastucture will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
