Char.gy has secured a landmark contract with Richmond and Wandsworth councils with the company selected to manage the migration and take over the operation of 950 electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the two boroughs.
This deal means that char.gy has expanded its own network by a third, with the firm chosen by the councils for their technical expertise to manage the network transition, becoming a new partner in operating the network.
Richmond and Wandsworth were among the first councils to roll out extensive on-street charging networks, supported by the 5-year Go Ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS). With the conclusion of this scheme this year, they aimed to enhance service provision for their residents by launching a competitive procurement process for network operators to manage the existing infrastructure. This novel approach required a network migration rather than replacement.
Successfully meeting Richmond and Wandsworth’s challenging technical and commercial requirements, char.gy was selected for the project. This award supports Richmond and Wandsworth’s strategy to deliver drivers a reliable, equitable, and affordable EV charging service.
The charge points are being transferred in three phases. The first phase, involving the integration of 399 charge points, will be completed by the end of July 2024, with the entire transfer finalised by November 2025.
The partnership between Richmond and Wandsworth councils and char.gy has demonstrated a valuable third option for councils nearing the end of a contract. Councils can now opt for migration instead of renewing and replacing their existing infrastructure. This approach saves councils time and eliminates capital costs whilst ensuring service continuity and minimising roadside disruption for residents. Additionally, shifting away from a single-provider model fosters a competitive marketplace, promoting accountability, fair pricing, and consistent service improvements.
Char.gy currently manages a network of over 3,000 charging points. This migration will expand their network by over a third and follows a recent substantial capital injection from Zouk Capital, bringing their total funding to £100 million.
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, commented:
“We are proud to have been chosen by Richmond and Wandsworth councils as a partner to serve EV drivers across these London boroughs. This is a UK first and it represents a crucial development in the way EV infrastructure can be rolled out. It offers councils a greater degree of choice in their partnerships with private companies, bringing healthy competition to the market, which ultimately encourages operators to provide the best service possible to both councils and EV drivers.”
As in previous years, Transport + Energy is offering a number of fully funded places to qualifying representatives from local authorities who are in a role which is focused on the decarbonisation of transport, including energy, infrastructure, planning and highways at its upcoming Transport + Energy Forum. To apply, visit this link, click on the ‘Book your place’ button, go to local authority ticket, select number of tickets, complete your details and check out.
Image courtesy of char.gy.
