The Mayor of London Sadiq Kahn has announced today (Thursday 31st May) an electric vehicle taskforce will be launched, with its main aim to help expand EV charging infrastructure.
The new taskforce comprises representative of 16 organisations, including UK Power Networks, the British Retail Consortium, and the RAC Foundation.
With plans to make London a zero-emission city, electric vehicles have a significant part to play in the capital’s future. Adequate charging provision for the increasing number of plug-in vehicles on London’s roads has become of paramount importance, to help make electric vehicles a viable option, rather than just a greener one.
Kahn states that London is already ahead of a number of other global cities, but that the roll-out has been led – at least in part – by Transport for London. He insists that other industries and authorities need to play their part in further expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted to launch a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce today, bringing together industry, businesses and the public sector to work together to deliver electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the capital. London’s filthy air is a public health crisis, and encouraging more Londoners to switch from diesel to electric vehicles is critical in tackling it.
“We’ve already made some great progress with the roll-out of electric buses, electric taxis and rapid charging points, alongside launching the Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) for the oldest polluting vehicles in central London and bringing forward the introduction of the world’s first Ultra-Low Emission Zone. But we cannot do this alone.
“We’ve received huge support for this new taskforce, showing it is not just an environment or transport issue but one that is vital to the future of our city, and organisations across all sectors are stepping up and accepting they have a part to play. This initiative will support London boroughs and ensure electric vehicle infrastructure is installed in the right places, and help make our city an even better place to live.”
Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee, responded to the announcement, saying: “The Environment Committee recently published its report into electric vehicles and we strongly called for a pan-London approach to electric vehicle charging points. It’s good to see the Mayor is moving towards this with a dedicated taskforce.
“There’s no point having an electric vehicle, if you can’t charge it! We want to see this taskforce working together to take real action to improve electric vehicle infrastructure in London.
“London’s filthy and polluted air needs to be tackled urgently and when a journey can’t be done by foot, bike or public transport, electric vehicles are the best option out there.
“Our report made a series of recommendations and the Committee looks forward to scrutinising the taskforce’s shared Delivery Plan, which will be published next year.”
According to Zap-Map, there are currently more than 3,500 connectors available to EV drivers in Greater London. Head to Zap-Map desktop or app to find where these are.
