The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set out plans to expand the electric vehicle-charging network in the city.
Estimates suggest that the number of electric vehicles in London could increase from 20,000 today to more than 330,000 by 2025.
There are currently 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.
The 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and looks at how this can be delivered with less public subsidy and without installing points which are underused or outdated.
It highlights a number of initiatives, 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.
Khan said he wanted all new cars and vans on London roads to meeting zero emission standards by 2030, not 2040 as the government is proposing.
“To make this vision a reality we must make sure all Londoners have access to the essential infrastructure required to run and maintain an electric vehicle. This is a massive operation and can only be achieved if the public and private sector come together to deliver London’s electric future.”
