Char.gy

About Char.gy

Char.gy is an electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator addressing the critical need for on-street charging in the UK. The company was founded in 2016 by Richard Stobart, whose personal experience of owning an EV in London without a private driveway highlighted a significant market gap. Previously, Stobart ran a digital agency named Unboxed, which provided him with the expertise in rapid software prototyping necessary for the venture's early stages. The initial idea was born from observing a lamppost outside his home, sparking the concept of leveraging existing street infrastructure for EV charging. The first prototype evolved from a cardboard shoebox to a functional unit installed on a lamppost in a private car park, eventually leading to the first public installation in Marlow in 2018.

The company's core business involves partnering with local authorities and private developers to install, own, and operate a network of public EV charge points. This model is designed to serve the approximately 40% of UK households that lack off-street parking, thereby removing a major barrier to EV adoption. Revenue is generated from drivers who pay to use the charging network. Char.gy’s business strategy focuses on becoming a long-term investment partner for local councils, using a bespoke technology platform to predict EV demand at a postcode level, ensuring equitable and strategic network expansion.

Char.gy's primary product is a smart charge point designed and manufactured in the UK, which can be attached to existing street lampposts or installed as a standalone bollard. This approach significantly reduces installation costs and disruption compared to laying new cables. The chargers provide AC charging at rates up to 7.7kW and are compatible with all EVs via a standard Type-2 cable. A key feature is their reliability, with the network maintaining an availability of over 99%. The entire network is powered by 100% renewable energy, backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). The company has secured a £100 million investment commitment from Zouk Capital via the government-backed Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), which will fuel its plan to expand from over 3,600 charge points to 100,000 by 2030.