ESB Energy is set to significantly expand its network of rapid and ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UK, through a new agreement with Zood Infrastructure. The partnership will significantly contribute to the UK’s commitment to decarbonise the transport sector by supporting mass market uptake of EVs.
The development of the network will be carried out by The EV Network, a leading infrastructure development company based in the UK. The EV Network offers a turn-key solution to develop, fund and build publicly accessible EV charging hubs in the UK and is already working with a number of other leading charge point operators.
ESB Energy already has an expanding network of fast and rapid charge points across the UK with a strong presence in London, Birmingham and Coventry, offering EV drivers a reliable and hassle-free service. All ESB Energy charge points are powered by 100% renewable energy. Operating in the UK for almost 30 years, ESB Energy is the foremost energy company in Ireland with over 90 years’ experience in the electricity sector.
“Every day, we are working to provide the market with low carbon energy by building smarter electricity networks and collaborating with others to develop innovative solutions to today’s energy challenges,” said John Byrne, Head of EV Solutions at ESB Energy.
“We built the first-ever interoperable cross-border system of over 1,350 public charging points across the island of Ireland. We are now using this experience to partner with The EV Network to add to our charge point network and services for EV drivers across the UK.”
The new agreement with Zood Infrastructure, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust plc (SEEIT plc), is expected to deliver a significant number of rapid and ultra-rapid EV charging hubs in high-traffic areas at strategically appropriate locations. These will be developed, funded and built by The EV Network, which has an up to £200 million investment commitment from SEEIT plc.
“We are delighted to be working with ESB Energy on this exciting project. Our ambitions are aligned, and our unique business model enables all our CPO partners to build a strong network without having to worry about the development or investment in the infrastructure,” said Reza Shaybani, Founding EV Network Chief Executive.
ESB Energy was also the second network to join Zap-Pay, the simple way to pay for EV charging across networks from within the Zap-Map app, and went live in January.
ESB Energy is one of seven operators in the Zap-Pay partner network.
Launched last year, with a mission to include all the key charge point networks across the UK, Zap-Pay is a single-app payment system that uses a credit or debit card to pay for charging, avoiding the hassle of using different payment methods across all the various networks. Seven operators have signed up to the Zap-Pay partner network, with more announcements to come. National charging network GeniePoint is expected to go live on Zap-Pay imminently, making it the fourth network to do so.
ESB Energy offers electric vehicle drivers in Britain access to a growing network of 100% renewable energy EV public charging points across Birmingham, London and Coventry.
Since 2018, ESB Energy has partnered with Transport for London to install over 120 rapid chargers (50kW) at sites across the city. ESB Energy recently completed the installation of a network of 39 city wide rapid chargers (50kW) in Coventry, as part of Coventry City Council’s commitment to cut carbon emissions.
Its latest project includes the roll out of 200 fast and rapid chargers in Birmingham, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, supported by Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) funding.
