Zest to expand Ryedale District Council’s charging infrastructure

EV charging specialist Zest is to provide ten rapid charge points to Ryedale District Council as part of a new partnership.

The District Council which oversees the market towns of Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Malton, Norton, and Pickering, secured investment from Zest to provide chargers to its citizens and visitors. The bid to bring in rapid chargers to Ryedale shows a commitment to the climate change actions set out in the Council Plan. The rapid chargers mean it will take less time for users to charge up as they go about their day.

The joint programme will significantly increase the current number of rapid EV chargers in the district, improving access to charging for residents, businesses and tourists. A total of ten dual port rapid chargers will be installed.

Five million people visit Ryedale each year, an area of outstanding natural beauty, so tourism is a vital part of the local economy. As EV uptake increases across the country ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, more and more of these visitors will require EV charging to complete their journeys and continue to visit.

Phillip Spurr, Director for Place and Resources for Ryedale District Council said: “We’re delighted to make this commitment with Zest to deliver these facilities on our behalf. As the EV market continues to rise, the demand for charge points will also grow and it’s important that we are prepared for that.

“In our Council Plan, we promised to promote sustainable transport by installing extra electric vehicle charging points. We already have charge points in eight locations across Ryedale, with rapid charging at Water Lane car park, Malton, and our St. Nicholas Street car park, in Norton. We’re also proud to have two electric pool cars for our employees, enhancing our commitment to sustainable transport.”

North Yorkshire County Council recently launched its EV Charging Consultation Strategy, and Ryedale District Council’s new charging points are in line with this plan. The strategy recognises that a public charging network is needed for those without access at home or work. Helping to overcome the barriers to EV adoption is a key part of this strategy.

Based in Leeds, Zest is a fast-growing company investing in public charge points for public and private landowners across the UK, backed by the government’s Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). This dedicated fund was established by the UK Government in 2019 and backed by HM Treasury to help develop public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles throughout the UK.

CEO at Zest, Robin Heap said: “At Ryedale District Council, actions speak louder than words. It’s great to see a predominantly rural council set out a blueprint for sustainable transport and then deliver on it. Our long-term investment in rapid charging facilities across the area will help ensure that this beautiful part of North Yorkshire is ready to benefit from the EV revolution.”

The charge points will be provided, operated, and maintained by Zest, meaning there are no costs or operational overheads for the council. As part of its commitment to boost the local economy, Zest will engage Yorkshire contractors to carry out the installation.