What is the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project?
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project is a government-funded programme designed to support the rollout of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for residents without access to off-street parking.
How will the LEVI project be delivered?
Southend has partnered with Zest to deliver a minimum of 3,000 EV chargepoints across Southend in a phased approach over the 15-year contract term. This comes at no cost to the Council or its residents.
Who is Zest?
Zest is one of the UK’s fastest growing EV charge point operators (CPOs), specialising in the deployment and management of EV charging infrastructure for local authorities.
The company is backed by the government-sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), enabling it to invest in large-scale projects that anticipate future demand and accelerate the rollout of essential EV infrastructure.
A certified B Corporation, Zest has met rigorous social and environmental standards to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices.
You can read more about Zest here: www.zest.uk.com
What types of EV chargepoints are being installed?
The Council and Zest will install a range of EV chargepoints to ensure the right solution is used in the right location. This includes:
- Slow chargepoints up to 5kW
- Fast chargepoints up to 22kW
- Rapid chargepoints 50kW+
Why is the Council installing on-street EV chargepoints?
Many residents in Southend do not have driveways or private parking and therefore do not have the opportunity to charge an EV at home. The development of an on-street charging network helps ensure that residents without off-street parking are not excluded from the transition to EVs. In line with government guidance, the LEVI project aims to deliver EV infrastructure ahead of need, benefitting those who currently drive an EV, and those who might be considering driving one in the future.
How are locations chosen for new EV chargepoints?
The Council and Zest consider a range of factors when identifying suitable locations for EV chargepoint installations, not limited to:
- areas with limited off-street parking
- resident demand
- power supply to the area
- accessibility considerations (including pavement width)
- lamppost type and positioning
- conservation area considerations (where applicable)
All proposed sites are assessed individually, as not every location will be suitable.
When will chargepoints be installed in my area?
Chargepoint installations are already underway and will continue to be delivered across the city in a phased approach, with the aim of having all chargepoints installed by 2035.
Proposed chargepoint locations are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning we are unable to confirm exactly when or where future chargepoints will be installed. If a chargepoint is planned near your property, we’ll write to you in advance to let you know.
If you would like to request a chargepoint near you, please contact the EV Solutions team at SouthendEVsolutions@Southend.gov.uk.
Can I request an EV chargepoint on my street?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to contact the EV Solutions team at SouthendEVsolutions@Southend.gov.uk to request an EV chargepoint. The Council is compiling a ‘Priority Installation’ list, giving early consideration to streets where residents have expressed a need for EV chargepoints. If requested locations are not suitable for installations, alternative sites nearby or alternative charging technology will be explored.
Can I reserve a chargepoint for my personal use?
Chargepoints are public and available for anyone to use. They cannot be reserved for the exclusive use of an individual or group.
Can I request or install a cross-pavement charging solution, such as a cable gulley, cable channel, or charging arm, at my home address?
Cross-pavement charging solutions are not currently permitted in Southend-on-Sea. However, the Council is actively reviewing these solutions as part of its wider approach to supporting residents without off-street parking, and they may become available in the future.
I live in a rental property without access to off-street parking, how can I charge my EV?
The public on-street charging network, being delivered in partnership with Zest, is aimed at supporting residents without off-street parking, whether they live in a rental property or own their own home.
Why has a chargepoint been installed in my street when I don't currently see many EVs?
In line with government guidance, the LEVI programme aims to install EV chargepoints ahead of demand. This ensures charging infrastructure is available not only for residents who already drive an EV, but also for those who choose to make the switch in the future.
Who operates and maintains the EV chargepoints?
Zest will own, operate and maintain the chargepoints for the duration of the contract term. This includes monitoring the network, carrying out any required repairs and maintenance, and keeping the chargepoints up to date to ensure they remain fully operational and reliable.
How much is the Council spending on installing EV chargepoints?
This rollout comes at no cost to the Council or the taxpayer. The Council received £1.4 million from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund as well as significant investment from Zest.
Will EV chargepoints take away parking spaces?
EV-only bays are considered on a case-by-case basis, following a thorough review. Where EV-only bays are introduced, this will be done through Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) which involve a consultation process, allowing residents to submit their feedback.
What are the benefits of an EV-only bay?
An EV-only bay reserves the parking space next to a chargepoint for EVs only, ensuring it remains available for charging. EV-only bays help improve access to charging infrastructure and are supported by a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), making the restriction enforceable by the Council.
Are the EV chargepoints only for residents?
The EV chargepoints are public and available for use by any EV driver, unless specific restrictionssuch as resident parking zones, apply at a location. However, the rollout is focused on residential streets without access to off-street parking, and so is intended to directly benefit the residents of Southend.
How much does it cost to charge?
Charging costs vary depending on the type of chargepoint you use and may change over time. You can check the latest pricing in the Zest Charging app.
How do I use the chargepoints and pay for my charging session?
Every chargepoint has clear instructions on how to start and end a charging session. Users can pay via the Zest app on all chargepoints and via contactless in some areas. Payments via Zest’s roaming partners, including Octopus Electroverse, Allstar and Plugsurfing, are supported across the network.
Additional support can be found on Zest’s website: www.zest.co.uk/charge-with-us
Should I move my car once I have finished charging?
Yes. EV drivers should move their vehicles once a charging session is complete to make the chargepoint available for others who need it. This helps ensure that the charging network remains reliable and accessible.
Why do some wards have more EV chargepoints than others?
The chargepoints are being delivered in phases over the contract term. While some wards may currently have more chargepoints than others, this is often a temporary result of the phased approach to delivery.
The location and number of chargepoints installed are also influenced by a range of factors, including resident demand, the number of homes without off-street parking, the suitability of local streets, and the type of charging solution most appropriate for the area. To accelerate deployment and minimise disruption, chargepoints are also typically installed in clusters before moving on to other parts of the city.
Are chargepoints accessible for disabled users?
The Council and Zest are committed to delivering an EV charging network that is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Each location is assessed individually to maximise accessibility, taking into account the surrounding environment and existing infrastructure.
While some locations have physical constraints due to the existing street layout and infrastructure, Zest works in accordance with PAS 1899 accessibility guidance wherever possible and aims to make all chargepoints as accessible as the location allows.
Will EV chargepoints be installed in conservation areas?
Potential installations within conservation areas will be assessed carefully to ensure infrastructure is as discreet and sympathetic to the surrounding streetscape as possible
What to do if I want to object to an EV chargepoint being installed in my road?
If you wish to submit feedback on a proposed EV chargepoint location or ETRO, please contact the EV Solutions team at SouthendEVsolutions@southend.gov.uk, providing details of the location and the reasons for your concern.
Objections should be evidence-based and may relate to matters such as highway safety, accessibility, environmental impacts, existing highway restrictions, or other operational constraints that may affect the suitability of the proposed location.
For further information, please contact the EV Solutions Team at: SouthendEVsolutions@southend.gov.uk.