Portsmouth powers up: first wave of new EV chargepoints now live

Portsmouth is gearing up for a new era of electric mobility, with new on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints now being installed across the city.

In partnership with leading chargepoint operator Zest, Portsmouth City Council is installing brand-new EV chargepoints, with over 150 already live on lampposts and bollards throughout the city.

This marks the start of a major upgrade to the city’s EV infrastructure, designed to make it easier for residents to charge their vehicles close to home. This rollout is supported by funding from the government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), alongside matched investment from Zest.

More than 3,000 Portsmouth residents already drive plug-in or hybrid vehicles, and forecasts suggest this could rise to over 20,000 by 2030 - around one in four residents. This rollout is part of a wider plan to meet that growing demand and encourage more people to make the switch to electric, with over 300 chargepoints planned over the next year, particularly in residential areas without off-street parking.

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“We’re entering a new era for Transport, with mass adoption of electric vehicles(EV).  This requires making EV-charging accessible to all. With the new EV chargepoints now being installed in convenient residential locations, especially where off-street parking isn’t available, we’re future proofing the city and making it easier for more people to choose to switch to an EV. It’s an important part of our overall plan for cleaner air, lower emissions, and healthier travel options."

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, said:

“We’re delighted to see our partnership with Portsmouth City Council come to life, with chargers now live across the city. Forward-thinking local authorities committed to sustainable transport play a key role in the electrification of our roads, and it’s crucial we continue to deliver convenient charging options that fit easily into people’s lives.”

To find out how to get started with using Zest chargepoints and to view the locations as they go live, visit www.zest.uk.com/charge-with-us.  The website includes helpful guidance, an interactive map, and regular updates as new chargepoints are activated across the city.