London boroughs are championing Londoners who want to make the switch to electric vehicles through the delivery of more than 3,000 on-street charge points in residential areas. This makes up nearly half of the 6,500 charge point devices delivered across the capital in the last two years.
Delivery has been propelled through the Go Ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS), a nationwide programme funded by the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV), established to increase electric vehicle uptake and tackle the dangers of air pollution. The GULCS London programme has provided boroughs with more than £7m funding for the delivery of charge points in residential areas and is managed by London Councils, the Mayor and TfL.
Charge points in residential areas have targeted locations where residents don’t have access to off-street parking where they could install their own private charge point. The majority of charge points use innovative technology to provide charging sockets in or on lamp post columns. This makes the most of the existing power supply and minimises space taken up by charge points on London’s streets.
These charge points provide a slow charge (up to 7kWh) which is most suited to overnight charging whilst a vehicle is parked. They also contribute to efforts to reduce air pollution in the capital by making it easier for people to switch to an electric vehicle.
Boroughs are committed to providing greener travel options for all Londoners and are working with partners to maximise the roll out of charge points, across the capital, with plans to install another 1,000 on-street residential charge points in the next six months.
The GULCS programme has also supported the delivery of 300 rapid charge points across the capital. Delivery of these charge points completed at the end of 2020 through a programme managed by TfL in partnership with the London boroughs.
Mayor Philip Glanville, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said:
“London’s air quality continues to be a major public health issue, leading to the deaths of thousands of Londoners each year. It is imperative we make it easier for people to reduce harmful vehicle tailpipe emissions and ultimately improve London’s air quality.
“London boroughs are working incredibly hard alongside our partners to provide greener transport alternatives across the capital, focusing on distributing charge points fairly so they are accessible to all Londoners. As part of this I am delighted that boroughs have delivered 3,000 on-street residential charge points across London, with the prospect of many more to come.
“Extensive investment in London’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is essential to making Londoners, and the businesses we depend on, feel confident in making the switch to electric. London is leading the way in electric vehicle charging infrastructure with nearly a quarter of all charge point devices in the UK located in the capital. With the expansion of ULEZ later this year creating another incentive, boroughs are gearing up to help even more people make the transition choose a less polluting vehicle.
“If you are considering switching to a cleaner, greener electric vehicle, find out if there are charge points available where you live and feel free to contact your council to suggest helpful locations for further installs.”
London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues, said:
“It’s essential we help more people move away from petrol and diesel cars to tackle the twin dangers of air pollution and the climate emergency.
“I’m delighted that this programme has helped provide 3,000 extra electric vehicle on-street charging points, bringing the total to over 6,000 in addition to over 300 rapid chargers that TfL have installed.
“However, there is much more to do and we need to go even further faster which is why in October this year we are expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone up to the North and South Circular roads. This year the UK is hosting the climate conference, COP 26 and it’s more important than ever that the public and private sector work together to speed up the transition to zero emission vehicles and support a green recovery.”
Natalie, 42, lives in Ealing and works in central London. She has two boys at primary school. Her family switched to a fully electric car four years ago.
“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.
“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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- London’s residential charging points, as well as previously installed residential, fast and rapid charging points, can be located on Zap Map: https://www.zap-map.com/live/
- All London residents can find out how to suggest a location for a charge point near to where they live or work here: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/our-key-themes/transport/electric-vehicle-charging/suggest-location-ev-charge-point
- The delivery of more than 3,000 on-street residential charge points have been funded through the Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme, a partnership programme managed by London Councils, TfL and the GLA, and the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Both are funded by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) to increase electric vehicle use and tackle air pollution and the climate emergency. The funding has provided 75% of the capital costs of delivery with boroughs providing the remaining 25%.