Zest has installed 56 EV charging sockets at Metrocentre in Newcastle, the country’s second largest retail and leisure destination.
The EV charge points are spread across three of the centre’s car parks, with the majority being fast chargers which top-up cars in a couple of hours, specifically chosen to be in-line with the average dwell time at Metrocentre.
There are also rapid chargers for on-the-go visitors who need a faster getaway.
The installation marks the second time Zest has worked with Sovereign Centros, following the opening of 64 charging sockets at Merry Hill, West Midlands, in 2022.
Zest provides and operates EV charging infrastructure for commercial real estate and local authorities across the UK and its projects are backed by the Government’s Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF).
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said, “Retail and leisure destinations that provide the right EV facilities first, as new habits are being formed, are those that will thrive in the migration to EV.
“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Sovereign Centros, working with them again to provide these new facilities and to support their vision for Metrocentre’s sustainable future.”
Graeme Jones, director at Sovereign Centros, said, “We are committed to pushing for a more sustainable future across all our destinations, and ensuring accessibility to EV charging is a key part of this.
“Having worked with Zest on other projects, we saw them as the perfect partner to deliver this for Metrocentre, ultimately helping to deliver our sustainable vision, and removing one of the main barriers to the EV switch for drivers across the North East.”
