Brent Council, Zest, and Uber partnership spearhead electric vehicle charging expansion
Updated: Nov 29, 2023
Brent Council, in collaboration with Zest and Uber, has announced the installation of 160 new on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging bays across 80 locations within the borough.
The first charging bay became operational last week on West Ella Road, marking the beginning of a project aimed at improving access to charging infrastructure for residents without private driveways.
Recognising the growing demand for EV charging options among Brent's residents, Zest and Uber have jointly funded the ambitious venture. On top of the financial backing, Zest has also committed to providing long-term operation and maintenance services for the newly installed charging points, relieving the Council of any resource overheads.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member, for Environment, Infrastructure, and Climate Action, at Brent Council, said: “In order to reach our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, we have to make it as easy as possible for residents to pick transport that is good for the environment – this does just that. We are currently 4th in London by the number of charging points and after this project we will have almost 1,000 electric charging points across Brent.
“Thanks to all the council staff, Zest and Uber who have helped to make this happen and increase our charging points in the borough considerably.”
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, said: “Mass adoption of electric vehicles, with all the climate and air quality benefits they bring, will only happen when everyone has access to a convenient and reliable charging service. Brent is already an early leader in providing public charging facilities, and we look forward to accelerating charge point availability for residents across the borough.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager of Uber UK, said: “We are delighted to work with Brent Council on this vital project to boost EV infrastructure. Getting the first chargers in the ground is a huge milestone with drivers often telling me that being able to access reliable charging near their homes is critical to their decision to switch to an EV.”
