Central London’s efforts to tackle air pollution by encouraging and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles has taken a further step as five public rapid charging locations have been opened across the city.
The five rapid chargers are situated across Central London in Q-Park car parks at key locations including Knightsbridge, Chinatown and Tower Bridge. The 50kW rapid chargers can enable up to 200 miles of range per hour (RPH) for drivers that require quick top ups between deliveries, taxi rides or rideshares, allowing drivers to charge quickly on the go.
ChargePoint, an electric vehicle charging network, delivered the hardware and software to the new charging stations and has committed to at least one rapid charging hub in the future.
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the vision to open at least five rapid charging hubs that would enable high mileage drivers of taxis or delivery vehicles to make the move to electric more convenient and in turn reduce the number of high emitting fleets.
“London’s toxic air reduces the length and quality of lives across the city. Improved electric vehicle infrastructure can support more essential trips being made using zero-emission transport, which will help clean up the air. The Mayor’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery Plan shows it’s important for the whole sector to work together to foster the expected uptake of electric vehicles. We welcome Chargepoint’s continued commitment to introducing more charging opportunities in the capital,” said Christina Calderato, head of delivery planning for TfL.
The opening of more EV charging locations is part of Transport for London’s EV Infrastructure Taskforce, which is comprised of 16 organizations UK Power Networks, the British Retail Consortium and the RAC Foundation. ChargePoint is a stakeholder in the Taskforce and is supporting its efforts to increase the number of charge points in the city.
ChargePoint’s service to facilitate the global transition to electric fleets is an essential component of enabling a sustainable and efficient mobility future, drastically reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in cities, enhancing transportation efficiency and greatly contributing to the clean energy economy both in London and around the world.
