Islington council installs its first rapid EV charger

Islington council has installed its first rapid electric vehicle charging point, in what it claims will be the first of one of the ‘largest and most widely available charging networks in the country’.

Over the course of the next year 100 roadside charging points are being installed in the borough, the council says.

Councillor Claudia Webbe with Islington council’s first on-street rapid charger

The rapid charging device, located in Sheringham Road at the junction of Lough Road is an Ultracharge model, developed by Chargemaster. The next rapid charger is due to be installed in the Archway area before the end of this financial year.

To use the on-street charging points, residents need to buy an electric vehicle charging point permit. This costs £67 for the first year and then £20 a year afterwards.

Electric vehicle owners will also be consulted on the possibility of setting up a pay-as-you-go system to pay for the electricity used.

Islington council is also to increase the use of electric vehicles like offering free resident parking for electric vehicle owners and supporting the expansion of electric car-sharing clubs.

Investment

Councillor Claudia Webbe, Islington council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Investing in next generation chargers is absolutely essential for Islington. We need to move away from toxic diesel vehicles to clean up the air we breathe. With our commitment to install many more rapid chargers, I’m proud that once again Islington is leading the way in clean, sustainable transport in London.

“I’m really pleased to launch Islington’s first on-street rapid charger which marks the next phase in the development Islington’s electric charging network. The council is committed to improving air quality in the borough and the development of charging points for electric vehicles is just one of the many ground-breaking and innovative actions we are taking to clean up the air we breathe.

“Islington is committed to making charging easier and more practical for residents as well as electric taxis, private hire vehicles and commercial vehicles such as couriers, to recharge during the working day.”