The Mayor of London has laid out plans to build electric vehicle charge points across the UK’s capital, potentially paving the way for wider adoption by retailers.
The London EV Infrastructure Delivery Plan plan announced by Sadiq Khan’s administration will see five rapid charging hubs installed across the city. It aims to install the first hub in the Square Mile area by the end of this year.
While the proposals do not give definitive figures for the longer term, they estimate that 200-400 rapid charge points and 3400-4700 slower charger points could be needed by 2020.
Meanwhile, by 2025, this could rise to 2300-4100 rapid charge points and 33700-47500 slower charge points. The rapid charge points
According to the plans, the hubs will be installed primarily by the private sector, including retailers and other businesses. However, the government may provide some support and will also look to optimise the electric grid in order to support demand.
Other initiatives aim to help citizens own and run electric cars, including an online tool to request charging infrastructure and the expansion of electric car clubs.Khan gave two reasons for the plan: the health impacts of pollution and the longer term impact of climate change caused by fossil fuels.
“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.
“This is a massive operation and can only be achieved if the public and private sector come together to deliver London’s electric future.”
Major names in the delivery industry which have recently invested in electric vehicles include Yodel, DHL and DPD. ASOS is a notable retailer which offers an electric delivery option.
However, a recent survey of British consumers suggested that while they express support for electric vehicles, they may not be willing to pay more for it.
