Portsmouth is accelerating its transition to electric mobility with the installation of over 150 new on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across the city. The initiative, led by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with chargepoint operator Zest, represents the first phase of a wider plan to improve EV access for residents.
The new chargepoints, mounted on lampposts and bollards, are designed to serve areas where off-street parking is limited. The rollout is funded through the UK government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) and matched by Zest’s investment. City officials said the move is intended to prepare Portsmouth for a projected surge in EV ownership, with more than 3,000 residents currently driving plug-in or hybrid vehicles and estimates suggesting the number could reach 20,000 by 2030.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said the project will make EV charging more accessible for local residents. “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,” he said.
Zest, which operates the new charging network, emphasized the importance of partnerships with local authorities in supporting the shift to electric transport. Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, noted, “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.”
Portsmouth plans to expand the network further over the next year, with more than 300 on-street chargepoints expected to be operational, primarily targeting residential streets without private parking.
