TfL awards first public land EV charging contract

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Zest a contract to roll out 39 new electric vehicle (EV) charging bays across 24 locations in south and southwest London.

The deal will see the points in place by the end of 2024, including in outer London boroughs such as Sutton and Bromley. Charging infrastructure will be placed in parking bays near key routes which are used for essential road journeys made by commercial vehicles such as taxis and freight.

Part of TfL’s EV Infrastructure Delivery Programme, the new charging bays will expand London’s charging network. The Mayor is undertaking the task to fulfil a pledge to unlock land owned by TfL and other members of the Greater London Authority – including the London Fire Brigade, the London Ambulance Service, the Metropolitan Police, as well as partners such as the NHS – to increase the density of the rapid charging network across the city.

London currently has around 103,000 plug-in EVs and vans already registered. With around 13,000 charge points, London currently has 31% of all EV charging infrastructure across the UK. Since 2019, the charging network has grown by 180% and is on-track to meet the target of 40,000-60,000 charging points by 2030.

100 new rapid charge points are also planned as part of the strategy with around 880 currently classified as rapid or ultra-rapid in the London area, including 300 by TfL.

Speaking about the deal, David Rowe, TfL’s Director of Investment Delivery Planning, said: “These 39 bays are the start of our new programme to boost the number of rapid charging points in the capital by making public land available to private sector providers to support those making the switch to zero emission vehicles.

“More rapid charging points are key to encouraging people and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles, giving drivers confidence that they have a place to power up in a short period of time. We’re glad to be working with Zest UK to expand the number of EV charging points across the capital, adding to the city’s extensive network.”

Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said: “These new electric vehicle charge points will make it quick, easy and more convenient for Londoners in south and southwest London to charge their vehicles, enabling more people to make the switch to greener cars with more confidence.  

“Electric cars are just one of the ways we can help to clean up London’s air and reduce harmful, toxic emissions, and for us to meet our ambitious net-zero targets.”

Robin Heap, Zest CEO, said: “The UK needs an injection of serious infrastructure to meet its net zero goals, and it is farsighted public sector organisations who are taking the lead. Placing rapid and ultra-rapid charging points directly onto London’s high-volume arterial roads will make it easier for drivers to choose electric and improve the air quality for local communities. We’re looking forward to providing and operating these charge points in partnership with Transport for London.”

Image courtesy of Transport for London

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