Hackney Council has signed a contract with Zest to install more than 2,500 chargepoints throughout the borough, creating the most concentrated network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers within a local authority in the UK.
The EV chargepoint infrastructure provider, backed by the government-sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund, will fund the capital and operational costs of the project, resulting in no costs for the council.
The chargepoints will be powered entirely by renewable energy, and Hackney residents will receive a discounted rate through the Council’s energy services arm – Hackney Light and Power.
The first of the new chargers will be installed later this year, including 1,500 slow chargers mounted on existing lampposts, 1,000 fast chargers and 150 rapid chargers. The rollout is expected to conclude by 2026.
“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,” said Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville.
“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.”
The rollout forms part of Hackney Council’s Climate Action Plan, which already plans to agree a further contract to install up to 150 rapid chargers across the borough. Added to the 1,500 chargepoints installed by Zest, this will increase Hackney’s EV chargepoint network from 346 to over 3,000 by 2026.
“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,” added Cllr Mete Coban MBE, Hackney Council cabinet member for environment and transport.
“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.”
According to the Agile Streets project, which installed over 100 on-street chargers in multiple locations including Hackney, smart metered on-street EV chargers could save customers £605.65 per year.
