London’s Charge Point Infrastructure Tripled Since 2021

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In an exciting development for London’s sustainable transport scene, Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled its revised Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy. This comprehensive document not only sheds light on the current status of the capital’s charging network but also outlines ambitious future plans that aim to propel the city towards a greener future.

As of now, London boasts 55 hub sites equipped with six or more rapid charge points—a remarkable leap from just 14 such sites in December 2021. This growth reflects London’s commitment to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, a necessity in combating climate change and reducing urban pollution.

The updated strategy takes into account the evolving landscape of policy and technology, assessing their impacts on EV adoption and the delivery of public charging infrastructure. It proposes a series of new commitments designed to tackle ongoing challenges, particularly for key user groups who have faced barriers in making the switch to electric.

According to the latest data, the number of EV registrations in London is soaring at a pace that outstrips the national average. In 2024 alone, there were 45,240 new plug-in cars registered, contributing to a total of over 221,500 plug-in cars currently on the streets of the capital. Electric vans are also seeing a rise in registrations, albeit at a slower rate, with 6,700 plug-in vans now operating in London.

The expansion of charging infrastructure has been nothing short of remarkable, with the total number of public charge points in London surging to over 25,500. This figure represents a near tripling of the 9,000 public charge points available when TfL first published its strategy in December 2021. Most of these charge points are of low power, with 20,600 charging points rated up to 8kW. This reflects a significant effort by London boroughs to deliver lamp column and on-street charging solutions across the city.

However, the landscape is not solely defined by low-powered options. There are now over 1,400 higher-powered rapid and ultra-rapid charge points (50kW and above), a significant increase from 720 in December 2021, of which TfL delivered over 300 charge points rated at 50kW. Additionally, the advent of ultra-rapid charge points, capable of delivering charging speeds up to 400kW, has been noted, catering to the needs of newer electric vehicles that require faster charging solutions.

Furthermore, the number of locations featuring multiple rapid charging points has also expanded significantly. The current 55 hub sites, each with six or more rapid charge points, mark a substantial increase from only 14 sites two years prior. This growth in infrastructure coverage is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring that electric vehicle owners have access to the charging facilities they need, precisely where they need them.

Looking towards the future, TfL’s projections indicate that by 2030, London will require between 43,000 and 51,000 public charge points, with as many as 3,500 needing to be rapid charge points. This number is expected to grow even further by 2035, with estimates ranging from 69,000 to 79,000 total charge points, including up to 4,300 rapid options. Such ambitious targets underscore the urgent need for continued investment and innovation in the city’s EV infrastructure.

Despite these promising developments, TfL has acknowledged that access to land remains a significant obstacle in the rollout of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points. To address this, the strategy retains its keystone commitment to unlock Greater London Authority (GLA) Group land, extending this initiative to include borough land. This would involve identifying parking bays on borough roads that are suitable for rapid charging installations. Additionally, TfL plans to enhance its rapid charging delivery by installing new rapid and ultra-rapid charge points within the road network and developing ultra-rapid charging hubs through a partnership with Fastned.

Supporting the London boroughs in their charge point delivery remains a priority for TfL, as does fostering ongoing engagement between charge point operators and the public sector. The quarterly London Charge Point Operator Forum is intended to facilitate this collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders can contribute effectively to the expansion of the charging network.

Moreover, TfL is committed to improving the consumer experience for electric vehicle drivers. In a bid to achieve this, the organisation plans to share the results of its public charge point pricing research with London boroughs. This research will explore potential options for offering charging at a reduced cost through public sector contracts, thereby making electric vehicle ownership more affordable and accessible.

Access to commercial vehicle charging remains another critical commitment. TfL intends to publish new guidance in 2026 aimed at local authorities and organisations responsible for public charging infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the needs of commercial vehicles. Furthermore, data on potential charging locations for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that align with strategic freight routes will be shared in 2025/26, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of logistics and transport sectors in London.

On the fleet side, TfL has reiterated its commitment to exploring shared infrastructure opportunities that support the electrification of emergency services and public sector fleets. By leveraging its role as an integrated transport authority, TfL aims to match opportunities with fleet users who are seeking charging points.

As part of its strategy, TfL has outlined several requests directed towards the UK Government, particularly urging the Labour Party to:

• Continue the plug-in taxi grant and eliminate VAT on the purchase of taxis and designated wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles, thereby supporting drivers in their transition to zero-emission capable taxis.
• Make public charging more affordable by reducing the 20% VAT rate on public charging to align it with domestic charging rates.
• Support businesses in their switch to electric vehicles by maintaining the levels of plug-in van and truck grants through 2026, extending the grant availability beyond 2027, and ensuring continued access to workplace charging grants.
• Reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from road transport by aligning UK standards with the Euro 7 emission standard, including provisions for non-exhaust emissions and battery durability requirements.
• Introduce a standardised battery health certification scheme for used electric vehicles in the UK.
• Implement regulations as part of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act mandating the provision of charge points at large fuel retailers.
• Ensure compliance with the PAS1899 accessible charging specification to guarantee inclusive charging infrastructure throughout the UK.
• Provide funding for local and transport authorities to enhance the accessibility of charging infrastructure.
• Establish a strategic overview of access to power and charge point connections among key players in the regulation and planning of the UK’s energy sector, ensuring long-term investment and improved access to the grid necessary for the delivery of charge points.

Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, welcomed the updated EV Infrastructure Strategy, particularly praising its emphasis on addressing the real-world challenges faced by electric vehicle drivers. She highlighted the commitments aimed at improving charging point accessibility for disabled drivers and tackling the persistent barriers to home charging in densely populated urban areas. “These are crucial steps in making the switch to electric truly inclusive,” she remarked. “We look forward to working closely with London authorities to ensure all drivers are fully supported in their transition to cleaner transport.”

As we move forward in our journey towards a net-zero future, the updated TfL EV Infrastructure Strategy stands as a testament to London’s dedication to sustainable transport. With the ambitious targets set forth in this strategy, London is not only paving the way for a cleaner, greener city but is also setting an example for other urban areas across the UK and beyond. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right policies, infrastructure, and community engagement, the transition to electric vehicles can be made smoother for everyone.

For those interested in delving deeper into the details of TfL’s report, the full document is available online.