Project aims for 1,150 new ‘on-street’ EV chargers in London by 2020

Technology firm Siemens and EV charging point provider Ubitricity are to install electric vehicle charging points in street lamps at hundreds of locations across London.

The work is part of a framework contract with TfL, London Councils and the Greater London Authority which is being delivered through the £13 million Go-ultra Low City Scheme. The programme aims to deliver additional charging points at 1,150 on-street locations across the capital by the end of the decade.

The project will see charging points installed in hundreds of lampposts across the capital

Commenting on the project, Chris Beadsworth, director, Siemens Energy Management, said: “Our mission is to help improve the quality of everyday life for millions of people around the globe. Improving air quality through decarbonisation of transport is a vital element of this, but to make it a reality, we need to have enough charging points in the right places and available at the right time.

“By using existing infrastructure, it will provide a quality, convenient and simple charging point to help accelerate the increase in privately owned electric vehicles. Our aim is that charging your car should be as simple as charging your phone.

“Working together with our partners we make a cleaner more modern energy network a reality whilst delivering benefits for UK consumers without compromise.”

Current data suggests that London has around 3,980 public charge points with an estimated 13,000 electric vehicles currently in use across the capital.

Charging points

It is thought that the capital will need a significant upgrade in available charging points in order to cater for an anticipated increase in the uptake of EVs in coming years.

Using existing lamppost columns is seen as a more efficient way of increasing the coverage of charging points across the capital, as the installation is quicker than installing a new, standalone point.

Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Network Development, said: “The framework we’ve created for suppliers will make it easier for boroughs to improve Londoners’ access to electric charging points. This will make London’s transport greener and improve its air quality. These boroughs are at the forefront of electrifying London, and it is by working together that we can clean up the capital’s toxic air.”

Cllr Julian Bell, London Councils’ Chair of Transport and Environment Committee, said: “We each recognise the importance of improving air quality for Londoners and London Councils are leading the way in rolling out electric vehicle infrastructure across London by taking innovative new technology, such as using the power from lighting columns to charge vehicles, and scaling it up to provide safe charging solutions more accessible for Londoners.

“This is an exciting step in providing London boroughs the means to purchase and install electric vehicle charge points. Together, London Councils will continue to work with partners to improve our air quality and help clean up London’s air.”