London Steps Up Electric Infrastructure

Electric Decisions in City Hall?
Image Creds - Stock.xchng

The 26th of May marked the launch of a new initiative by London Mayor Boris Johnson. The Source London project is aiming to increase the proliferation of electric vehicle charging points around the Capital, as well as ensuring drivers have access to all existing points.
 

Perhaps keeping one eye on the reported £300m pollution fine that is hanging over London as a result of tightening EU controls, the mayor stated “I want to rapidly accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and make London the epicentre of electric driving in Europe.”

A Realistic Aim?
 

This remains a bold claim, however it does seem that this particular project is making a difference. Overall, there are now 400 charging points across the city, with many located in supermarket car parks, and the stated ambition is to have 1,300 points by 2013. This has scaled back promises that were made in 2009, something that is pointed out by the green party, but it represents ambition nonetheless.
 

If this number is achieved, it should allay concerns surrounding the range of these vehicles in London, and if the proposed link up with the East of England charge point network is completed, drivers can be confident in driving further afield.
 

For fleet managers controlling fleets that are largely based in London, this commitment should be viewed as  positive since it should help to persuade drivers to make the electric switch, particularly if additional costs, such as the congestion charge, can be avoided.
 

It should be noted that there is a flat £100 charge to use the points for a year, and when held against the high price of petrol, this seems like a worthy investment, particularly as this initiative covers all boroughs, unlike some previous measures.