char.gy, a prominent player in the UK electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, has announced significant growth in its network alongside a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. According to the company’s recently published second annual Impact Report, char.gy expanded its live network by approximately 28% while simultaneously cutting its total greenhouse gas emissions by 24% during the financial year ending March 2026.

Key Achievements in Emission Reduction

The report highlights a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity, which fell to 138.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per 1,000 active sockets. This figure represents a remarkable 58% reduction from char.gy’s baseline year and is already below the company’s 2030 target of 161.2 tCO2e, achieved five years ahead of schedule. This decoupling of network growth from absolute carbon footprint is particularly noteworthy in a sector that is rapidly scaling, where emissions from hardware manufacture and installation typically dominate.

Increased Renewable Energy Usage

During the reporting period, char.gy delivered 14.4 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of 100% renewable electricity to drivers, marking a 40% increase from the previous year. This energy powered approximately 46 million electric miles, effectively avoiding around 14,500 tCO2e emissions, which is about 21 times the company’s entire operational carbon footprint. The increase in energy delivered per socket indicates a rise in utilisation, rather than merely an increase in the number of charge points.

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Network Expansion and Future Goals

char.gy’s active charge point sockets increased from 3,879 to 4,978 over the year. The company has secured contracts for an additional 20,000 sockets, with plans to expand further outside of London. The company’s CEO, John Lewis, emphasised the importance of balancing growth with sustainability, stating, “For an infrastructure business scaling at our pace, that is the test of this decade: showing you can build quickly without your footprint growing with you.”

Innovative Hardware Design

One of the key factors contributing to char.gy’s emission reductions is its commitment to innovative hardware design. The company has transitioned to using recycled aluminium for the casings of its Flow charge points, which has reduced the embodied carbon in each unit by approximately 30%. Additionally, char.gy is in the final testing phase of its own-designed charge point controller, which targets Scope 3 Category 1 emissions—the company’s largest emissions category—and is set to be deployed in units starting from 2026.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programme

The year 2025 marked the commencement of the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme, which aims to convert council contract awards into tangible kerbside hardware. char.gy has successfully delivered its first LEVI-funded charge point in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, with plans for further installations. The company has won a total of eight LEVI contracts, securing around 20,000 sockets, and has submitted bids for an additional 65,000 sockets, aiming for a live network of over 60,000 sockets by 2030.

Social Value and Community Engagement

In addition to its environmental commitments, char.gy is focused on delivering social value through its projects. The company anticipates generating over £100 million in localised benefits over the next fifteen years, which will be directed towards education, employment, and community investment initiatives. A dedicated social value function was established in 2024, which has already begun supporting local initiatives, such as the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and providing career talks for electrical engineering students at Barnet and Southgate College.

Conclusion

char.gy’s latest Impact Report illustrates a successful year of growth and sustainability, showcasing the company’s ability to expand its EV charging network while significantly reducing its carbon emissions. As the demand for electric vehicle infrastructure continues to rise, char.gy’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental responsibility positions it as a leader in the transition towards sustainable mobility in the UK.