• In an industry first, char.gy migrates and integrates established EV Charging Infrastructure, expanding its own network by a third.
• char.gy was chosen by Richmond and Wandsworth councils for their technical expertise to manage the network transition, becoming a new partner in operating the network.
• The partnership between char.gy and Richmond and Wandsworth councils illustrates a valuable new avenue for councils nearing end of contract: migrating their existing infrastructure instead of renewing or replacing it.
• Proving this concept offers greater flexibility for councils, ensuring service continuity and enhancing service quality through competitive network operation.
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 to manage the migration and take over the operation of 950 charge points across the two boroughs. 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 is a leading supplier and operator of EV charge points in the UK, committed to making public EV charging simple and accessible for everyone with industry-leading reliability and affordability. Founded in 2016, with network ownership and operation as its primary focus, char.gy currently manages a network of over 3,600 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.”
