ChargePoint supports Mayor of London in EV rapid charging promise

ChargePoint, the world’s leading EV charging network, announced the opening of a series of new EV rapid charging locations in Central London in support of the Mayor and Transport for London’s EV Infrastructure Taskforce, which launches its delivery plan today (17 June). ChargePoint has been part of the EV Infrastructure Taskforce stakeholder group for the last year, working with the Mayor’s Office, TfL and other organisations on setting out the vision for the future of EV charging in London as demand and adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow.

This vision, announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, calls for the creation of at least five rapid charging hubs across London for high mileage drivers, such as taxis and delivery vehicles to support the adoption of EVs in high emitting fleets. ChargePoint has committed to delivering the hardware and software solutions for at least one rapid charging hub in the coming years, in addition to the five public rapid charging locations it has launched today in central London. This follows a global commitment of 2.5 million places to charge by 2025, half of which are expected to be deployed throughout Europe.

The five rapid chargers are situated across Central London in Q-Park car parks at key locations including Knightsbridge, Chinatown and Tower Bridge. The 50kW rapid chargers can enable up to 200 miles of range per hour (RPH) for drivers that require quick top ups between deliveries, taxi rides or rideshares, allowing drivers to charge quickly on the go.

In April, ChargePoint surveyed over 2,000 British consumers to get a better understanding of their attitudes towards climate change.  Of the 2,000 respondents, 92 per cent of people felt that more needed to be done about climate change and that cars and transport were the biggest contributors to greenhouse emissions globally. Today’s announcement shows a significant commitment to helping lower carbon emissions in the capital and encouraging more people to use EVs.

Mark Kerstens, vice president, Global Fleet Solutions, ChargePoint, commented: “We welcome the launch of the Electric Vehicle Taskforce Deliver Plan today and applaud the Mayor for taking the bold measures required to tackle London’s air pollution while enabling the expansion of EV charging throughout London. Public-private partnerships like this are vital to ensuring the buildout of the new fuelling network that will support the adoption of more electric vehicles in London and around the United Kingdom. When these measures are implemented in full, London will become a model for clean mobility and one of the most EV-friendly cities in the world.”

Christina Calderato, head of delivery planning for TfL, said: “London’s toxic air reduces the length and quality of lives across the city. Improved electric vehicle infrastructure can support more essential trips being made using zero-emission transport, which will help clean up the air. The Mayor’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Delivery Plan shows it’s important for the whole sector to work together to foster the expected uptake of electric vehicles. We welcome Chargepoint’s continued commitment to introducing more charging opportunities in the capital.”

The Taskforce, of which ChargePoint is a stakeholder, is comprised of 16 organisations including UK Power Networks, the British Retail Consortium and the RAC Foundation.

With a growing team strategically placed around Europe, ChargePoint is committed to supporting London’s efforts to expand EV charging and increase the number of electric vehicles throughout the city. With more than a decade of experience, ChargePoint continues to develop charging solutions required to improve the experience for EV drivers and power electric mobility of all forms including passenger vehicles, electric buses, trucks, and beyond. ChargePoint has expanded its portfolio to facilitate the global transition to electric fleets, which are an essential component of enabling a sustainable and efficient mobility future, drastically reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in cities, enhancing transportation efficiency and greatly contributing to the clean energy economy both in London and around the world.