Zest opens two ultra-rapid local charging facilities in Kent

Zest, one of the UK’s fastest growing investor-operators of public access EV charging infrastructure, has opened two EV charging facilities in Kent, providing the communities with easy access to convenient charging.

The sites are located on Westbourne Gardens in Folkestone and Elwick Lane in Ashford, each offering four charging bays in convenient residential areas. Ashford is equipped with four ultra-rapid bays delivering up to 120kW, while Folkestone features two ultra-rapid 160kW bays and two fast 22kW chargers. The investment in Kent has been welcomed by residents, businesses, and community leaders.

It marks another progressive step on the journey to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles, helping to improve local air quality and fight climate change.  

Zest is developing EV charging across the UK in areas that lack sufficient EV infrastructure - making it easier for drivers without chargers to conveniently recharge their vehicles close to home, or on-the-go.    

Councillor Laura Davison, Folkestone & Hythe Council, said:

“This new charging facility at Westbourne Gardens is a great step forward for Folkestone. It supports residents who want to make the switch to electric vehicles but don’t have access to off-street parking. We welcome Zest’s investment in our town - it’s exactly the kind of infrastructure we need to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and make sustainable travel more accessible for everyone.”

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, said:

“The new charging facilities in Kent makes it easier for people in Folkestone and Ashford to go electric, even if they don’t have a charger at home. By turning underused space into a useful local asset, we’re helping create cleaner, more connected neighbourhoods.”

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