The London Assembly has called for more electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the capital to cope with the growing number of these cars on the road.
In a report published today (24 May), the Assembly’s environment committee warns the recent growth in the number of EVs in the capital is outstripping the number of charge points and could limit the number of people owning an EV.
According to the report, there are now 12,000 EVsin London, which is 10 times as many as in 2012
But 60% of Londoners do not have their own garage or driveway and would therefore need to rely on electric on-street charging.
The report calls for a “strategic pan-London approach” to improve the spread, location and accessibility of EV charge points across the capital.
It also recommends that the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, encourage all London boroughs to make parking for electric vehicles free or discounted, to drive take-up and use his profile to spread the idea that charging need not be a barrier to owning an EV.
The environment committee’s former chair, Leonie Cooper, said the “time is ripe for London to take charge, if we want to future proof this city for an electric car revolution”.
“An electric vehicleis a great option for Londoners in the minority of cases when a journey can’t be done by public transport, walking or cycling,” said Cooper.
“These cars are cleaner, quieter and much better for the environment. What puts people off though, is not knowing whether they will be able to find a charger.
“We need to get the number and location of charging points right, as well as raise awareness of charging points in the capital. This infrastructure is essential if London is to continue the electric vehiclesrevolution.”
Commenting on the report, theRenewable Energy Association’s lead on EVs, Daniel Brown said mass adoption is “eminently achievable” but the development of required infrastructure will need coordination between government at all levels, developers, grids, and consumers.
“The report comes at a time where, at a national level, the Automated and Electric Vehicle Bill is being debated in the House of Lords,” said Brown.
“A number of amendments to the Bill are pragmatic proposals, which mirror forward thinking initiatives included in the draft London Plan.
“Ensuring that new properties, including those with public car parks such as supermarkets and offices are 100% ‘EV Ready’ with relevant trenching, wiring, and ducting in place, would make it easier for both those with and without off-street parking to charge their cars in London and beyond.”
The report comes days after Pivot Power announced it was teaming up with National Grid to create a nationwide network of EV chargers and batteries at a cost of £1.6 billion.