Over 70 EV charging points opened on campus in ‘significant step’ on sustainability drive

Over 70 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have opened at the University of Warwick in a multi-year deal to encourage students and staff to switch to driving EVs.

Zest, a UK-based charge point operator specialising in EV infrastructure, has installed 78 charging stations on campus as part of a £1.3 million investment with the University.

The company will manage and provide charging facilities on campus for the next 15 years, following a deal announced in May. A further 100 charging points will be installed across campus over the next decade, increasing the number of spaces from 65.

We have been delighted to partner with Zest on this significant step towards sustainable transport solutions on our campus

George Saxon, Head of Transport Systems and Operations, University of Warwick

The installation of EV stations marked the beginning of a week of energy talks at the University, as Zest presented the partnership at the Transport and Energy Forum on 21 November.

George Saxon, Head of Transport Systems and Operations at the University, celebrated the move, saying: “We have been delighted to partner with Zest on this significant step towards sustainable transport solutions on our campus. The new charging facilities align with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting those transitioning to electric vehicles.”

He added: “By creating these charging spaces, we are not only enhancing the convenience for our staff, students, and visitors but also supporting the wider shift towards clear mobility in the region.”

A minimum of 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equal to 69 million miles driven by a petrol-based car – are expected to be saved

By making EV charging stations more accessible on campus, the partnership between the University and Zest aims to reduce carbon emissions and encourage people to transition to electric vehicles.

The EV chargers include both fast and rapid chargers that have been installed across numerous car parks on campus.

A minimum of 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equal to 69 million miles driven by a petrol-based car – are expected to be saved by the charging stations across the next 15 years.

Robin Heap, CEO at Zest, added that the partnership underlines the University’s sustainability credentials. He said: “Providing abundant charging facilities ahead of demand encourages more people to make the switch to electric vehicles, so Zest is proud to be supporting the University of Warwick as it looks to reduce carbon emissions generated from all forms of transport.”