London, 28 Nov, 2023: In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable transportation, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, took centre stage at the London EV Show, making pivotal announcements that signal a dramatic shift in the city's electric vehicle infrastructure.
The spotlight shone on two major developments. First, the signing and awarding of contracts for an additional 51 sites for rapid charge points to the event’s esteemed sponsor, charge point operator - Zest. These contracts mark a significant stride in London's commitment to revolutionise its electric vehicle charging network, enhancing accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle owners across the city.
Furthermore, the Deputy Mayor revealed plans for five new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hubs strategically located at Hanger Lane, Canning Town, Hillingdon Circus, Hatton Cross, and Tottenham Hale. These hubs are envisioned to facilitate rapid charging in an impressive 10-30 minutes, catering specifically to high-mileage drivers such as taxis, private hire vehicles, delivery drivers, sole traders, and local businesses. Of note, the Hanger Lane site in Ealing is set to become a flagship hub, boasting up to 20 rapid charging bays and retail facilities, signifying a pioneering step in the city's electric vehicle infrastructure.
Crucially, these initiatives align with a new report indicating that electric car registrations in London are outpacing the rest of the UK. This positive trend not only signifies a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for Londoners but also underscores the city's commitment to mitigating harmful exhaust emissions and improving air quality.
Places for London, in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), has initiated a tender seeking a partner to realise these ambitious plans. The joint venture partnership aims to utilise TfL land to not only create a more sustainable and interconnected London but also generate long-term revenue that will be reinvested into the transport network.
With the Mayor's leadership driving the expansion of London's electric vehicle charging network, the city now hosts more than 18,000 electric vehicle charge points, a remarkable achievement representing over one third of the UK's total public charging network. This exponential growth from 2019 firmly establishes London as the frontrunner in the UK's electric vehicle infrastructure, with plans underway to reach an expected 40,000 to 60,000 charge points by 2030, with 4,000 rapid charge points included.
The unveiled plans and contracts at the London EV Show serve as a testament to London's commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation landscape, setting the capital on a definitive path toward a greener future.
As the city continues to prioritise eco-friendly solutions and innovation, the London EV Show has solidified its position as the premier platform for significant announcements from policymakers, unveiling groundbreaking initiatives and steering the future of electric mobility towards unprecedented sustainability.
