Zest launch EV charge-point installation across Starbucks estate
Zest, the investor-operator of public access EV charging infrastructure, has announced a new partnership with Starbucks franchise operator Café Fortune.
They will provide six 120kW rapid charging bays at the newly opened Starbucks in Alfreton, allowing customers to charge their cars during a typical length of stay.
Zest have been particularly busy of late, last week they announced the launch of a partnership with Durham County Council to identify an 250 charging locations across the county.
That project was supported by a grant of more than £4 million from the government’s Local EV Infrastructure scheme, while for their part, Zest will invest over £7 million to provide and operate the charge points, systems and long-term provision of the service.
The Starbucks unit in Alfreton represents the first of a series of sites for the partnership, with several Starbucks Drive-Thru sites across the country already identified.
In addition to developing the charging infrastructure, Zest will fully manage and operate the charge points ensuring a reliable service for customers.
The Alfreton deployment marks the first of many food and beverage hubs to be developed by Zest, with sites signed country-wide over the coming months.
Ian Gill, Property Director at Café Fortune, said: ‘The addition of EV charge points to our sites gives customers and added reason to visit and aligns with our commitment to being a greener company. There is a strong synergy between these uses and we look forward to this site being the first of many.’
Robin Heap, CEO and Founder of Zest, said: ‘For a smooth transition to EV adoption we need to install abundant charging across the UK. Our long-term partnership with Café Fortune will give people an additional reason to visit the development, and allows customers to charge at a time that’s convenient for them. We look forward to working with Café Fortune on future sites and responding to the fast- growing population of EV drivers.’
