Expansion plans for London’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The mayor of London, as set out his plans for a major expansion of London’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network to ensure the capital continues to be one of the world’s leading zero-emission cities.
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.
The new plan estimates the number of EV charge points required in the next five years, based on different scenarios for the growth of electric vehicles and looks at how this can be delivered with less public subsidy and without installing points which are underused or outdated.
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.
Speaking at the launch of the London EV Infrastructure Delivery Plan at the Institution of Engineering and Technology today, mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “We need to reject the fossil fuels of the past and embrace an electric revolution in London’s transport. To truly transform the quality of our air and to tackle the climate crisis London must move away from petrol and diesel cars, with their catastrophic impact on the environment, and towards zero- emission vehicles.
“I want London to lead the world in this ambition, with all new cars and vans on London roads to meeting these 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.”
National Infrastructure Commission chair, Sir John Armitt, said: “A zero-emission van and rapid-charging network will be welcomed by London’s drivers and highlights the importance of electric vehicles to improving air quality in our cities and reducing the impact of the growth in urban freight. But more action will needed – such as the ban on new diesel HGV sales by 2040 we recommended in our recent report on freight and reinforcing the electricity network – if we’re to meet the UK’s climate change targets and clean up the air in London and other cities. The government should charge Up Britain by committing to a truly national rapid charging network and give cities new powers over transport so they can follow London’s example.”
The plan outlines how London is on track to deliver the necessary infrastructure for a radical growth in electric vehicles, which estimates show could increase from around 20,000 today to over 330,000 by 2025.
Electric Vehicles and Rapid Charging
Zero emission capable (ZEC) vehicles have environmental and financial benefits, and will help London become a zero carbon city by 2050. We are working with partners to develop a network to help you charge them quickly and efficiently.
- Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure
- Zero emission capable (ZEC) vehicles
- How to charge your vehicle
- Rapid charge points for London
- Find your nearest charge point
- Taxi-only rapid charge points
- Rapid charging networks
- Customer support
- Go Ultra Low City Scheme
- Commercial vehicles
We need to clean up London’s air and rid the Capital of the most polluting vehicles. The Mayor has an ambition to make London’s transport network zero carbon by 2050 – this will bring improvements in air quality (see the Mayor’s Transport Strategy).
To achieve this we need to support and accelerate the shift to zero emission technologies.
Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure
Speeding up the move to electric vehicles is critical to creating a zero emission future. The Mayor established the Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Taskforce in 2018. Experts from the public and private sector representing business, energy, infrastructure, government and London boroughs – supported by more than 350 stakeholders from over 140 different organisations – looked at ways to unlock barriers to expanding charging infrastructure and accelerating the switch to EVs in London.
The London electric vehicle infrastructure delivery plan shows fleets, businesses and London’s residents that there is a clear way forward towards the right type and amount of charging infrastructure to serve London’s needs.
Zero emission capable (ZEC) vehicles
ZEC is the collective term for vehicles that can operate with zero exhaust emissions. Most car and van manufacturers have ZEC models available, with more due to come to market in the next few years. Find out more about ZEC vehicles, and get help to choose the right vehicle for you, at Go Ultra Low.
There are three types of ZEC vehicles:
- 100% pure electric vehicles are powered by a battery which drives the electric motor. They have no exhaust emissions. Battery electric vehicles typically have a range of around 80 miles but some can achieve up to 300 miles
- Plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles also have a conventional diesel or petrol engine, meaning they have a longer range than with a battery alone
- Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles have a fuel cell which uses hydrogen to produce electricity and power the vehicle’s wheels. They typically have a range of around 300 miles
Benefits
By switching to a zero emission capable vehicle you can save money on fuel costs, reduce harmful vehicle emissions and help clean up London’s air.
There are also financial benefits:
- Zero emission-capable vehicles that meet the criteria are eligible for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge
- The Government offers grants for new plug-in vehicles, currently up to £3,500 for cars, £1,500 for motorcycles, £8,000 for vans and £7,500 for taxis. Find out about plug-in car grants
- Zero emission capable vehicles pay either no vehicle tax (VED) or a reduced rate depending on their CO2 emissions, vehicle list price and year of registration. Find out about tax benefits
- There is a range of tax incentives for business users
- Some London boroughs offer free or reduced-charge parking for electric vehicles
How to charge your vehicle
Most people charge at home overnight or at their workplace, but some will need to charge while they are on the move. Grants are available for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at home and at workplaces.
Public charge points can be found on the street and in key destinations such as shopping areas. You will usually need your own charging cable to use public charge points, although rapid charge points have the cable built in.
Different manufacturers use different connector types. Check with your vehicle manufacturer to find out what type of connector your vehicle uses and whether it is capable of rapid charging.
Charge point maps by Zap-Map show where your nearest public charge point is, the connector types, charging speeds, which network the charge point is operated by and how much it will cost to charge. Frequent users can join network membership schemes. Most networks also offer pay as you go charging.
We have guidance and research about zero emission capable vehicles that will help us, the London boroughs and charge point providers put charging infrastructure in the right places. Find out about ULEV research.
Rapid charge points for London
Rapid charge points can charge an electric vehicle battery in 20-30 minutes. This is quicker than regular charge points that can take 7-8 hours for a full charge.
At most of these charge points you can pay as you go with a credit or debit card – you don’t need to be a member.
Rapid charging bays (e-bays) are designed to be used by electric vehicle users only while charging. Any other vehicle parked in the bay may be issued with a penalty.
We’ve created more than 180 rapid charge points across London – we’re committed to installing 300 by 2020.
Mayor’s map of electric vehicle charge points
The London Electric Vehicle Charge Points map is a simplified map of rapid charge points across Greater London and up to the M25. The map shows:
- Your nearest public and taxi-only charge points
- Charging speed
- Which network the charge point is operated by
- Operating hours
- Charge points delivered with our support
The map does not currently show all non-TfL funded charging points across London.
Find your nearest charge point
We’re investing £18m and working with the boroughs and other organisations to provide the rapid charging points London needs. Sites are on arterial roads we own and maintain, borough roads, car parks and on private land, including Heathrow Airport and multiple Shell service stations.
Most networks also offer pay as you go charging (charge point costs will depend on the operator).
Other rapid charge points
Non-TfL funded rapid charge points are also available in London.
Taxi-only rapid charge points
The Mayor wants to establish London’s taxi fleet as the greenest in the world and to phase out diesel. New taxis need to be zero-emission capable to be licensed. Tighter requirements have also been introduced for private hire vehicles (minicabs). Find out more about our how we’re creating greener taxis and greener PHVs.
Rapid charge points will promote the greening of London’s iconic black cab fleet, with many charging points dedicated exclusively to their use. E-taxi bays in several places are being restricted to London licensed e-taxis only. Drivers of other electric vehicles who park in an e-taxi bay risk getting a penalty. Find alternative charging locations on the Zap Map website.
Rapid charging networks
Five networks will be responsible for installing, operating and maintaining rapid charge points on public land across London. These networks are ESB EV Solutions, Fastned, GeniePoint, POLAR and Source London.
Drivers will be able to pay to use rapid charge points without having to register or being a member of a scheme. Visit the network websites for more information on charging costs.
Customer support
Customers will be supported by network operators at 24-hour, seven-days-a-week call centres. They have access to the latest information, such as the location and availability of rapid charge points, both on the web and through apps. The location data is being made available to encourage developers to create more apps.
Go Ultra Low City Scheme
The Go Ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS) is a joint TfL and borough programme that aims to deliver over 1,000 on-street electric charge points for London’s residents and car club vehicles by the end of 2020. The residential charging network will help Londoners without access to off-street parking make the switch to zero emission capable vehicles. Car club charging points will help car club operators transition their fleets. Contact your local borough’s transport officer to register your interest in a charge point.
The GULCS project is also funding at least six ‘Neighbourhood of the Future’ (NoF) projects – these will act as a testbed for innovative EV charging technologies, initiatives and policies to support the growth of clean vehicles in London.
Commercial vehicles
Zero emission capable vehicles can help businesses and commercial drivers reduce costs, emissions and the level of servicing and maintenance required.
LoCITY is an industry-led programme with information to help the freight and fleet sector reduce emissions and switch to ZEC vehicles.