OLEV funding boost for Richmond EV lamp charge points

Over 150 electric vehicle charging points will be installed in the London borough of Richmond following a £285,000 grant through the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The funding will provide residential charge points to assist those without access to off-street parking to make the switch from polluting vehicles to zero-emission vehicles. Money is being distributed via the Mayor of London’s ‘Go Ultra Low City’ programme.

(l-r) James Everley, Ubitricity, Councillor Peter Buckwell and Richmond resident Deryn Harvey

In 2016, Richmond council launched an Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, outlining the council’s commitment to provide a network of fast chargers in town centres and key destinations, and lamp column chargers in residential roads across the borough, for use by both businesses and residents.

At the time of the launch of the strategy, 16 charging points had been installed within the borough.

Earlier this year the first lamp post charging points were installed in residential roads in Twickenham and Barnes.

Those with an electric vehicle can sign up for the scheme and buy a smart cable which automatically permits charging, while transmitting the information needed for membership and billing via a simple payment process.

Locations

The location of each charge point will appear on commercial charge point maps as well as a dedicated app from the provider, Ubitricity.

The council is also working to install nearly 70 fixed charging units later this year across 21 locations that are more suitable for motorists requiring a faster charge.

Councillor Peter Buckwell, Richmond council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “I am delighted that we have been successful in obtaining this grant from the Go Ultra Low City Scheme.

“This funding will enable us to install a further 150 lamp standard electric vehicle charging points across the Borough, thereby building a network of charging points for our residents.

“The funds are being managed by Transport for London (TfL) and it is a great endorsement by them in the ability of our borough to deliver projects to support future modes of transport.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq 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.”