The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set out his plans for a major expansion of London’s electric vehicle-charging network to ensure the capital continues to be one of the world’s leading zero-emission cities.
To tackle the twin dangers of London’s toxic air crisis and the climate change emergency, the Mayor has brought together the public and private sector to deliver the electric vehicle infrastructure Londoners need. This includes commitments by businesses and retailers to transform EV charging provision in London over the coming years.
Sadiq declared: “We need to reject the fossil fuels of the past and embrace an electric revolution in London’s transport.”
London’s plan follows the Mayor’s establishment of the world’s first Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce, bringing together representatives from business, energy, infrastructure, government and the London boroughs. The past year has seen more than 140 organisations contribute to the work of the Taskforce.
London is at the forefront of the zero-emission revolution with more than 20,000 electric vehicles, 1,700 electric taxis and Europe’s largest electric bus fleet. Today’s plan builds on TfL’s successful rollout of over 175 rapid charge points across the city (delivering a full charge in 20 – 30 minutes) and a growing network of over 1,100 lamp post charging points delivered by boroughs in residential areas.
This has been complemented by the roll out of the world’s first ever Ultra Low Emission Zone, enforcing tough new emission standards in central London which is helping drive companies to electrify their fleets.
Currently the roll out of the charging infrastructure is in the line with the demand for electric vehicles but London needs an electric revolution. This plan estimates the number of charge points required in the next five years, based on different scenarios for the growth of EVs and looks at how this can be delivered with less public subsidy and without installing points which are underused or outdated.
Making it easier for Londoners to make the switch from diesel to electric cars is a key part of reducing toxic traffic emissions and realising the Mayor’s ambition of becoming a zero-emission city. The Taskforce and other industry partners will support the Mayor in driving forward a number of initiatives in the plan including:
- Installing the next generation of ultra-rapid charging points at London petrol stations later this year.
- Delivering five flagship charging hubs, with the ability for multiple cars to quickly be charged in one place. The first of these hubs will be operational in the heart of the Square Mile by the end of the year.
- A new ‘one-stop-shop’ for Londoners to request new charging infrastructure from their local authority in areas of high demand led by London Councils, making it easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles.
- Expanding electric car clubs and bringing more vehicles to market, offering greater choice to Londoners and businesses.
- New online smart tools to ensure London’s energy grid continues to keep pace with demand and to help unlock private sector investment.
