Net-zero boost: British Gas and Zaptec unveil communal EV tariff

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Net Zero News can reveal that on 19 November 2025 energy giants British Gas and charging brand Zaptec announced the UK’s first communal EV charging tariff. The new offering will be available across the nation and is aimed at drivers in shared residential developments. By linking charging sessions directly to individual users rather than to individual properties, the tariff seeks to simplify billing and provide clear, transparent pricing for multi-occupancy sites.

Communal charging has long been identified as a barrier to wider electric vehicle uptake in flats, apartment blocks and other shared dwellings. In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, British Gas and Zaptec have designed the tariff to address driver convenience and operational complexity. Net Zero News understands this forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall charging network and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which remains the UK’s largest carbon-emitting sector.

The UK government has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the Climate Change Act 2008. Transport emissions are to be virtually eliminated by 2050, with interim targets set for 2030 and 2035. The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan outlines the need for a comprehensive chargepoint rollout, including public, workplace and home charging. Despite success in single-family home installations, communal sites have lagged behind due to billing complexities and infrastructure costs. The new tariff is designed to tackle these challenges head on.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, this communal tariff should support householders and landlords by reducing administrative burdens and clarifying cost responsibilities. Expected outcomes include smoother billing processes for residents, improved utilisation of existing chargers and potential stimulus for further infrastructure investment. By making charging simpler in multi-occupancy settings, the initiative could address one of the final hurdles to electrifying a growing share of UK vehicles.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of a strategic partnership in which British Gas will supply energy and billing management services while Zaptec will deploy its smart charging hardware. All installations will feature Zaptec’s smart chargers, which are capable of dynamic load balancing and remote management. This collaboration leverages British Gas’s extensive customer base and Zaptec’s technological expertise, though neither organisation has disclosed the precise commercial terms or anticipated subscriber numbers at launch.

The announcement aligns with the UK’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy published in 2022, which emphasises the need for public and private collaboration to scale up charging networks. The strategy sets out plans to work with local authorities, housing associations and private sector partners to ensure equitable access to charging, particularly in urban areas where off-street parking is limited. It also complements devolved government policies, such as Scotland’s commitment to all new homes being net-zero carbon by 2025.

Residents of apartment complexes and housing cooperatives stand to benefit directly from clearer, more transparent charging fees, while landlords and property managers may find it easier to meet planning requirements for on-site chargers. However, challenges include coordinating installations in older buildings and ensuring sufficient electrical capacity. Industry observers will be monitoring whether this tariff encourages other energy suppliers and charger manufacturers to develop similar solutions.

Looking ahead, British Gas and Zaptec plan to roll out the tariff across a growing number of communal sites over the coming months. Milestones will include expanding the network of compatible chargers and integrating user feedback to refine billing processes. Net Zero News will track subscription uptake and assess the impact on charging behaviour and transport emissions reduction in the multi-occupancy sector.

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