The charging points are a key part of the Mayor’s vision to turn London into a zero-carbon transport city, and will be essential if Londoners and fleet drivers are to adopt electric vehicles in sufficient numbers to help clean up the capital’s air quality.
City Hall says the funding, which is being allocated to 25 boroughs and was secured from the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles, will provide residential charging points to assist those without access to off-street parking to make the switch.
Each borough will work to identify suitable sites and it’s expected that the funding will be used to deliver “innovative” approaches such as fitting charge points to lamp posts in order to lower costs and avoid cluttering streets and pavements.
Mayor Khan said: “This substantial investment in electric charging points will make a real difference, making electric vehicles an easier and more practical option for Londoners across our city.
“We have a bold ambition to make London’s transport system zero emission by 2050, and working with boroughs to roll out more charging infrastructure is a vital part of making this a reality. “
Lilli Matson, TfL’s Head of Strategy and Outcome Planning, added: “We’re delighted to be awarding this funding to these boroughs all of whom, like us, are determined to make London’s transport greener and its air quality better.
“We’d also like to thank these boroughs for being at the absolute forefront of the move to electric vehicles.”
Confirmation of the funding has been welcomed by London Councils, the all party body which represents the capital’s local boroughs.
Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “It is unacceptable that 9,000 people a year die early in London due to air pollution.
“So it is great to see London boroughs bidding to invest in conveniently located electric vehicle charging points.
“This will help to ensure we have infrastructure in the right places to make it easier for people across the capital to choose electric vehicles.”
