Urban Fox, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has secured its first-ever contract with Newport City Council to install one of the first lamp post electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in Wales.

The initiative marks a significant step forward in both the company’s growth and Wales’ move toward sustainable transport.

Under the agreement, 120 EV chargers will be installed across various locations in Newport. Uniquely, the chargers will be integrated directly into existing streetlamp infrastructure, a move designed to preserve pavement space, improve accessibility, and maintain the aesthetic of residential neighbourhoods.

Urban Fox was founded to meet the increasing demand for accessible and innovative EV charging solutions. The partnership brings together Urban Electric Networks’ forward-thinking technology with Balfour Beatty’s experience in financing and delivering critical infrastructure projects.

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The company offers a full-service model, covering everything from funding and planning to installation and ongoing maintenance. Among its offerings is the award-winning UEone, a retractable charge point that’s the first of its kind, aimed at minimising visual impact while maximising usability.

Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: "This is a hugely exciting moment for Urban Fox. Securing our first-ever contract and delivering one of Wales' first lamp post EV chargers is a major milestone in our mission to revolutionise on-street charging.

"By seamlessly integrating chargers into existing infrastructure, we’re not only cutting costs and reducing street clutter but also making EV charging more accessible than ever. This is about unlocking the full potential of our streets and helping even more people transition to cleaner, greener transport. We’re proud to be playing our part in the charge towards a net zero future, and this is just the beginning."

Ion Appuhamy, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Investments, added:

"Securing this contract with Newport Council marks a significant milestone for Urban Fox and is testament to our commitment to driving innovative, sustainable solutions which will enable the members of the public to play their part in the UK’s Net Zero agenda."