Powering Progress: Zest’s New Ultra-Rapid Charging Hub Brings Clean Transport to the Heart of Birmingham
At ZeroMission, we believe that the future of transport isn’t just electric, it’s accessible, affordable, and built into the fabric of our communities. That’s why we’re delighted to see one of the UK’s fastest-growing public charging networks, Zest, continuing to lead by example with the launch of their new ultra-rapid EV charging hub just outside Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
What was once a derelict patch of land, the site of the long-gone Hockley Rail Station, has now been reimagined as a powerful piece of 21st-century infrastructure:
• 16 ultra-rapid charging bays capable of speeds up to 300kW
• 65p/kWh pricing, offering a more affordable alternative to other local charging options
• Flexible payment options via the Zest app, contactless, and roaming partners like Octopus Electroverse, Plugsurfing, and Allstar
• Added conveniences like an InPost mail locker on site
This isn’t just a win for EV drivers, it’s a win for local communities.
As Councillor Chaman Lal of Birmingham City Council noted, "Public EV charging supports not just cleaner travel, but the ongoing regeneration of the area – attracting visitors, supporting businesses, and improving the environment for everyone."
We couldn’t agree more.
This launch is part of a growing network of urban hubs being delivered by Zest in underserved areas across the UK, including Leicester, Enfield, and Bolton. Their mission is clear, tackle the EV infrastructure gap in areas that have historically been overlooked, and bring the benefits of clean transport to everyone, not just those with a driveway.
It’s a strategy that aligns closely with our own mission at ZeroMission: to ensure that fleets, drivers, and local authorities have the tools and insight to electrify transport in a way that’s smart, scalable, and socially inclusive.
Why Hubs Like This Matter
The transition to zero-emission transport doesn’t happen with vehicle sales alone — it requires reliable, well-placed, and affordable charging infrastructure. Ultra-rapid hubs in urban areas provide essential charging capacity for:
• Drivers without home charging
• Commercial fleets operating in cities
• Visitors and commuters supporting the local economy
By converting underused or brownfield sites into green mobility infrastructure, Zest is also helping cities hit regeneration, decarbonisation, and public health targets in one go.
What’s Next?
As local authorities and private operators continue to invest in charging infrastructure, partnerships will be key. We applaud Zest’s model of long-term collaboration with councils and community stakeholders, it’s exactly the kind of approach that ensures infrastructure serves local needs, not just traffic flows.
To the team at Zest: congratulations on this milestone in Birmingham. It’s more than just a hub, it’s a catalyst for change.
At ZeroMission, we’re excited to see more of this kind of bold, place-based innovation across the UK and beyond.