Zest opens new EV charging infrastructure at retail site

Zest has invested in new electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities at Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster – the city’s leading shopping and retail destination.

Frenchgate, with over 120 places for people to eat and shop, now has fourteen charging bays, with a mix of 22kW fast chargers and 50kW rapid chargers to match visitors’ typical length of stay. In addition to providing the facilities, Zest will operate and maintain them to ensure a reliable long-term service for customers and staff.

According to CACI research commissioned by Zest last year, 82% of EV owners said an improved charging experience would encourage them to visit one centre over another. Nearly all those surveyed saying they would call in more often knowing that reliable charging was available. 

Based in Leeds, Zest is a certified B Corp providing EV charging infrastructure across the UK. Its projects are backed by the government-sponsored £420 million Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. It means Zest can fully fund larger projects that anticipate future demand, acting quickly to bring this essential infrastructure into service.

Corinne Mycock, General Manager of Frenchgate said:

“As a key fixture in Doncaster city centre’s retail scene, and an integral part of the local community, it’s important that we provide facilities such as fully managed EV charging. 

“Frenchgate is committed to providing the same dedication to corporate social responsibility as it is to be offering an unrivalled retail and leisure experience. We welcome the introduction of our new EV infrastructure and are delighted that Zest chose Frenchgate as their next retail destination.”

Robin Heap, Zest CEO said:

“We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. By responding to future demand now, forward-looking retail destinations like Frenchgate will thrive, as a new wave of EV drivers establish their long-term charging habits.” 

Frenchgate is the latest in a series of retail real estate projects that includes Metrocentre Gateshead, Chantry Place in Norwich, and Merry Hill in the West Midlands.

Image courtesy of Zest.

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