Zest has partnered with Hackney Council to fund, deploy, and manage 2,600 EV charge points across the borough’s seven square miles, marking the UK’s densest concentration of charging infrastructure.

Zest has partnered with Hackney Council to fund, deploy and manage 2,600 slow and fast EV charge points across the borough’s seven square miles, marking the UK’s densest concentration of charging infrastructure. This project supports Hackney’s ambitious transport decarbonisation strategy, combining the council’s urban planning experience with Zest’s expertise in sustainable infrastructure.
For mainstream EV adoption, abundant public charging facilities are crucial. Zest and Hackney have designed a borough-wide network which ensures fairness and accessibility for all, including 10% of chargers on estates, car club charging bays and preferential tariffs for residents.
The partnership is set for at least fifteen years, ensuring ongoing maintenance and 24/7 driver support to provide a reliable service for future generations. Zest’s approach makes charging convenient, integrating charge points where residents typically park. Innovations, including lamp post chargers and street parking bay buildouts, help keep pavements clear, making EV adoption accessible and convenient for all.
London’s poor air quality poses serious health risks, whilst the success of the central London ULEZ demonstrates that strong policies can lead to significant improvements. Zest’s extensive rollout with Hackney will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, enhancing residents’ health across the borough and beyond. As a B Corporation, Zest is further committed to supporting Hackney’s communities, offering a variety of educational workshops on decarbonisation, promoting volunteer efforts and providing local job opportunities.

Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport: “The switch to EVs will help tackle pollution and create a greener, healthier Hackney. We’re really happy to be working in partnership with Zest, who are funding, installing and operating the new chargers.”