The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called upon London boroughs to do more to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, by installing electric charging infrastructure on the city’s streets.
The Mayor used the occasion of the installation of the capital’s 100th TfL-funded rapid charging point to issue the call, claiming that increased investment in EV charging points across London’s road network would contribute to improvements in air quality in the city.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at the launch of the city’s 100th rapid EV charging point
Among the 100 rapid charging points in the city, 51 are for use exclusively by taxi drivers, in a bid to support the uptake of zero-tailpipe emission models by London’s taxi sector.
According to City Hall, around 2,000 standard charge points already installed across London, and at least 150 TfL-funded rapid charge points are expected to be in place by the end of 2018.
In particular the installation of rapid charging points is seen as vital for the uptake of zero emission capable taxis in the city, as concerns over the availability of charging points – particularly those which can charge at high speed – is a concern for taxi drivers considering switch to electric-enabled models.
Taxis
Taxis are believed to be a “significant contributor” to London’s air pollution with figures released by City Hall suggesting that they are responsible for 16% of NOx and 31% of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from road transport emissions in central London.
From this year, no new diesel taxis are being licensed, and all taxis that are licensed for the first time will be required to be zero-emission capable.
Issuing the call to boroughs at the opening of the new charging point at Southwark Street – which is a part of ChargeMaster’s Polar EV charging network – the Mayor said that widespread adoption of EVs will not be possible without improved charging infrastructure.
He claimed that London boroughs have the authority to install charging infrastructure on up to 95% of the capital’s roads.
Infrastructure
The Mayor said: “The roll-out of rapid charging points marks a big step forward in the shift to zero-emission vehicles, which the capital desperately needs to clean up our toxic air. But widespread change will not happen until a sufficient charging infrastructure is in place, allowing taxi drivers, businesses and Londoners to easily make the switch.
“On my watch, TfL has already installed 100 new rapid charge points – despite only five% of the city’s roads being under my control. However, we will only reach the numbers we need if the boroughs install these points on the 95% of the network in their control and TfL stands ready to help. I also urge private-sector businesses to work with us on expanding the network and help make lasting improvements to the capital’s air quality.”
Lilli Matson, Transport for London’s Director of Transport Strategy, also highlighted the contribution that cleaner taxis can make to the capital’s air quality.
She said: “More taxi drivers taking fares in London’s new green black cabs is a key part of achieving the Mayor’s vision of a zero-emission city by 2050. The installation of an extensive rapid charge point network is central to enabling cabbies to ditch their dirty diesel vehicles and replace them with green alternatives.
“This significant milestone demonstrates our commitment to supporting the taxi trade, commercial businesses and Londoners in joining the capital’s environmental revolution.”
