Information on the Target
char.gy is a pioneering electric vehicle (EV) charging company dedicated to enhancing the charging infrastructure across the UK, particularly focusing on on-street solutions. With an existing network of over 3,000 charge points, the company aims to significantly scale up its operations, targeting an ambitious goal of expanding to 100,000 charge points by 2030. This growth will facilitate the transition of up to 1 million drivers to electric vehicles, addressing a critical need in the market.
Since its establishment, char.gy has successfully positioned itself as a trusted investment partner for local authorities, facilitating public charge point installations through the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). This fund, managed by Zouk Capital, was initiated by the UK Government in 2019 as a means to stimulate the deployment of EV infrastructure nationwide.
Industry Overview in the UK
The UK is currently in a pivotal transition towards electric vehicle adoption, bolstered by significant government support and an increasing demand for sustainable transportation options. As of May 2024, over 1.11 million fully electric cars and approximately 656,000 plug-in hybrids are on UK roads, demonstrating a robust market for EVs.
To support this growing demand, the UK government has allocated £1.3 billion to enhance EV charging infrastructure, which includes initiatives like the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI). This fund aids local authorities in collaborating with the charge point industry, focusing on the deployment of accessible charging solutions in residential areas.
Currently, the UK boasts around 60,000 public charge points; however, experts estimate that at least 300,000 chargers will be necessary by 2030 to accommodate the growing fleet of electric vehicles. This gap highlights the urgency for companies like char.gy to scale their services effectively, ensuring there is adequate charging infrastructure available for all users.
char.gy’s innovative solutions, which are designed and manufactured in the UK, contribute significantly to the broader national goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air. Their systems boast a network availability of over 99%, reflecting high reliability and trustworthiness in service delivery.
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The Rationale Behind the Deal
The recent funding commitment from Zouk Capital, increasing its investment in char.gy to £100 million, is strategically aligned with the urgent need to expand on-street EV charging infrastructure in the UK. With 40% of UK households lacking access to off-street parking, the demand for accessible charging solutions is critical.
This expanded funding enables char.gy to accelerate its growth plans, enhancing its charge point network and supporting the transition to electric vehicles. The investment plays a vital role in char.gy’s mission of making EV adoption more equitable, ensuring that EV ownership is feasible for individuals reliant on public charging.
Information About the Investor
Zouk Capital is a prominent investment firm specializing in sustainable infrastructure. The company manages the CIIF, aiming to facilitate the development of charging infrastructure across the UK. Zouk's commitment to char.gy exemplifies their dedication to supporting long-term sustainable investments that resonate with the UK’s green agenda.
Through its partnership with char.gy, Zouk Capital demonstrates confidence in the EV charging market's growth, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with companies proficient in providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure. This alignment ensures that local authorities can depend on stable investments crucial for the development of EV infrastructure.
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The investment in char.gy can be viewed as a strategically sound decision, given the ongoing shift towards electric vehicles and the pressing need for expanded charging infrastructure. The ambitious goal to increase the number of charge points from 3,000 to 100,000 by 2030 illustrates a clear roadmap for growth that aligns with national emission reduction targets.
Furthermore, char.gy’s commitment to providing equitable access to charging solutions in urban areas will address a significant barrier for many potential EV users, thereby facilitating broader adoption. The company’s effective track record, highlighted by its capability to deploy over 500 charge points monthly, reinforces the likelihood of achieving its objectives.
In summary, the increased investment from Zouk Capital not only supports char.gy in its growth endeavors but is also a crucial step towards establishing a more sustainable future for urban transport in the UK. This partnership is likely to serve as a model for other investments in the EV sector, demonstrating how targeted funding can drive meaningful progress.
In conclusion, this deal represents a dual advantage of financial growth for char.gy and a significant step forward in the UK’s transition to a greener transport landscape, making it a strong investment opportunity that aligns with both market needs and environmental goals.
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Zouk Capital
invested in
char.gy
in 2023
in a Growth Equity deal
Disclosed details
Transaction Size: $124M