Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure specialist Zest has announced a partnership with Ryedale District Council in North Yorkshire, where it will provide 10 rapid charge points to serve its five market towns.
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 chargers will be fitted in car parks across the district at locations including: Water Lane, Malton; Eastgate, Vivis Lane, and Ropery in Pickering; Cleveland Way, Helmsley; and St Nicholas Street, Norton-on-Derwent.
With a total of 10 dual-port rapid chargers to be installed, 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.
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.
Ryedale is an area of outstanding natural beauty.*
“It’s great to see a predominantly rural council set out a blueprint for sustainable transport and then deliver on it,” said CEO at Zest, Robin Heap.
“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.
“We’re delighted to make this commitment with Zest to deliver these facilities on our behalf,” said Phillip Spurr, Director for Place and Resources for Ryedale District Council.
“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.”
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.
Zest will engage Yorkshire contractors to carry out the installation.*
The strategy recognises that a public charging network is needed for those without access to EV charging at home or work. Helping to overcome any barriers to EV adoption is a key part of this strategy.
“In our Council Plan, we promised to promote sustainable transport by installing extra electric vehicle charging points,” Spurr continued.
“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.”
*Photos courtesy of Helmsley in Business and RJB Photographic.
