‘First of its kind’ rapid EV charging point launches in London

Transport for London (TfL) and electric vehicle (EV) charging network Engenie have opened London’s first rapid charging hub in Stratford, London. 

The hub will have six 50kW charging points, which are capable of providing up to 100 miles of charge in 35 minutes.

This EV hub is the first of five which will open in London over the next few years as part of the Mayor of London’s EV infrastructure delivery plan. 

TfL has contributed funding towards the project, but Engenie will continue subsidising the site to ensure that there will be no parking fees for those using the chargers. 

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: ‘London’s air quality is a serious public health crisis and we face a climate emergency which threatens our future.

‘We need to help people to move away from petrol and diesel cars so that we can clean up our air and tackle climate change.

‘I want to help people to switch to public transport, walking and cycling and I want all new cars and vans in London to be zero emissions by 2030, not 2040 as the government is proposing.

‘This announcement will help us to continue to work together with London boroughs and the private sector to deliver a major expansion in charging infrastructure and an electric vehicle revolution in the capital.’

Ian Johnston, CEO of Engenie, said: ‘London is trailblazing the EV revolution and actively working to deliver cleaner air for its 9 million residents.

‘This rapid charging hub is a significant step changing in the crucial infrastructure needed to serve the accelerating number of electric vehicles across the city.’

Christina Calderato, TfL’s head of transport, strategy and planning, said: ‘We know that a comprehensive network of charging points is essential if we are to persuade drivers to switch to electric vehicles.

‘For those that need to charge up in 20-30 minutes, London is one of the first leading world cities for rapid charge points.

‘The addition of the hub in Stratford is the first supercharging facility, allowing drivers easy access to quick and efficient charging.’ 

Photo Credit – Engenie