More than 1,000 new electric vehicle charging points to be installed in residential areas next year
Rapid charging network continues to grow with London’s first hub
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, together with London Councils and TfL, is investing £4 million across 29 boroughs to install 1,000 new electric vehicle charging points in residential areas.
This will build on work that has already seen 1,500 charging points installed across the capital to help Londoners without access to off-street parking, using innovative solutions such as retrofitting lamp posts. Delivering electric vehicle charging points in residential areas is one of London Councils’ Pledges to Londoners.
The £4 million allocated to boroughs is part of a £13 million award London received from the Government""s Office for Low Emission Vehicles"" Go Ultra Low City Scheme, a nationwide programme to increase electric vehicle use and tackle the twin dangers of air pollution and the climate emergency. It supports the Mayor’s overarching goal to ensure 80 per cent of journeys are made by public transport, walking or cycling by 2041.
From 28th December, London’s electric vehicle users can access a brand-new charging hub in Stratford, allowing six vehicles at a time to rapid charge. The new hub – with grant funding from TfL and operated by electric vehicle charging network provider Engenie – is the first of five planned across the capital as part of London’s Electric EV Infrastructure Plan. The six 50kW rapid chargers provide connectors that are fully accessible to all electric vehicle drivers, including taxis, allowing them to pay for charging with a simple tap of a contactless card or smart phone, with no registration or membership required.
Earlier this month, Transport for London hit its target of 225 rapid charging points across the capital before the end of the year, far exceeding world cities such as New York and Paris. London’s rapid charge network now totals over 300 points following effective collaboration between the public and private sector, with some points dedicated exclusively for almost 3,000 electric taxis currently on the road.
London’s electric vehicle revolution will continue next year with new requirements being phased in for private hire vehicles. As of 1 January 2020, all newly licensed private hire vehicles that are less than 18 months old will need to be plug-in hybrid, electric or hydrogen vehicles.
Compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, London is currently leading in electric vehicle infrastructure – a quarter of all charge points in the UK can be found in the capital.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s air quality is a serious public health crisis and we face a climate emergency which threatens our future. We need to help people move away from petrol and diesel cars, so we can clean up our air and tackle climate change. The overwhelming success of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone shows both Londoners and businesses alike are ready to play their part.
“I want to help people switch to public transport, walking and cycling and want all new cars and vans in London to be zero emission by 2030, not 2040 as the Government is proposing. Today’s announcement will help us to continue to work together with London boroughs and the private sector to deliver a major expansion in charging infrastructure and an electric vehicle revolution in the capital.”
Christina Calderato, TfL’s Head of Transport Strategy and Planning, said: “We know that a comprehensive network of charging points is essential if we are to persuade drivers to ditch polluting diesel vehicles and swap them for electric alternatives. Installing a 1,000 more residential charging points across the capital means more Londoners can plug their vehicle in while at home, even if they don’t have a driveway. For those that need to charge up in 20-30 minutes, London is one of the leading world cities for rapid charge points. The addition of the east hub in Stratford is the first super charging facility, allowing drivers easy access and convenient methods of payment.”
Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Across London, boroughs are leading the charge towards a low emissions future. Thanks to the further £4 million funding we are announcing today, another 1,000 new electric vehicle charging points will be installed in residential areas across the city, a sizable boost to the 1,500 new charging points the London boroughs have already delivered through this scheme.
“Sales of fully electric cars have tripled in Britain in the past couple of months, which means there is growing demand for convenient and accessible charging infrastructure from our residents. London’s proactive response will keep us on track to become the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle capital of Europe.”
Natalie, an Ealing resident said: “Air pollution is a real issue in Chiswick as we have the A4 running right through our area. We didn’t want to continue being part of the problem, especially with growing evidence of the health impact of polluted air. When we needed to replace our car, we chose a fully electric car.
“Ever since Ealing rolled out electric vehicle charging points, it’s been super easy for us. We just plug the car in whenever we’re parked and it’s ready to run when we need it. There are five charging points near where I live, and 30 within a 10-minute walk. There’s one where I take my boys swimming that I use a lot.
“Once you know where charging points are located near your home and the places you visit regularly, you get into the habit of charging up wherever is most convenient and avoid ‘range anxiety’. It’s a similar mindset to keeping your mobile phone charged.
“To anyone considering switching to an electric vehicle, I say - don’t hesitate. Go for a test drive, talk to people who have electric vehicles already, try renting one, and see if it could work for you.”
Ian Johnston, CEO of Engenie, said: “The EV revolution is well underway in London. Working with TfL, HS1 and the Mayor’s Office, Engenie’s delivery of this first hub is a step change in the infrastructure crucially needed to serve the accelerating number of electric taxis, fleets, private hire vehicles and individuals’ cars in the city.”