ZPN Energy has a concession to install public facing rapid EV chargers into 85 Network Rail stations with the potential to expand to many more stations.
The firm, a UK manufacturer of ultra-rapid EV charging equipment integrated with batteries, is now looking to appoint an energy supplier for the portfolio of charging sites, which once in full operation will have an estimated power demand of 145,000 MWh.
Ownership of the EV charging infrastructure will be in an SPV AssetCo, which will be owned 75% by ZPN and 25% by an investor.
ZPN Energy is currently raising the initial £10m of investment into the AssetCo to install, own and operate the first tranche of chargers.
It is seeking the strategic energy supply partner to provide the energy, potentially invest in the SPV, and with Network Rails agreement, to have advertising and branding rights on the chargers.
The Network Rail concession covers 85 sites in the first instance, and is split into two lots: 350 charge points, consisting of 240 x 150 kW and 110 x 350 kW chargers at 70 publicly available car parks, and 75 charge points, consisting of 49 x 150 kW and 26 x 350 kW chargers at 15 taxi and bus ranks (most of which are also available to the public).
Network Rail has a further 2,500 sites of which around 200 are deemed to be suitable for EV charging by ZPN.
It is also working on other projects incorporating solar, batteries and EV charging, and electricity supply may be required for some of these projects in addition to the Network Rail portfolio, the company said.
Dr Steven Fawkes, chair of ZPN Energy, said:
“ZPN’s proprietary technology enables rapid charging in grid constrained sites and the programme to install rapid EV charging at Network Rail stations will significantly enhance access to charging in key locations for drivers across the country.”
“We are looking to partner with a forward looking energy supplier to help deliver this exciting project.”
