- Richmond and Wandsworth Councils collaborate with ubitricity, a Shell subsidiary, to install 1,050 public EV chargers.
- These 5kW lamppost chargers will facilitate on-street charging with multiple payment options.
- The initiative promotes EV adoption, improves air quality, and aligns with carbon neutrality goals, funded by ORCS.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils partner with ubitricity to bring over 1,000 EV charge points to London’s streets
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are introducing a network of 1,050 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points. To pull this off, they’ve forged a partnership with ubitricity, Shell’s subsidiary and the UK’s leading charge point operator. Both boroughs will each host 525 of these strategically placed charging stations.
This collaboration represents a significant stride towards facilitating emobility. Charge point operator, ubitricity, will be responsible for the installation and upkeep of this extensive public charging infrastructure. Motorists will be able to charge their EVs using new 5kW lamppost chargers. Payments will be a breeze through debit or credit cards or the Shell Recharge app.
How will they pull it off?
The efficiency of these charging points is underscored by their quick installation. They take less than two hours to deploy them in key residential and commercial areas. Notably, the councils are actively encouraging residents to propose suitable locations for these charge points via their websites.
“Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular, with nearly two in every five new car sales being electric, but access to charging can be a barrier. Our residents often rely on cars due to the limited public transport network in Southwest London, so by expanding the charging network we hope that even more people will choose to go electric and help improve the air quality in our borough.
“For those who are wanting to try out an EV, the Zipcar Flex car club operating in the borough offers electric options. And for those who are having to scrap their car to comply with the ULEZ expansion, the Council is offering financial support for you to try car clubs through our Good Move Scheme.”
Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of Richmond Council’s Transport and Air Quality Committee
Can we expect an uptake in EV adoption?
This initiative will ease a common barrier to EV adoption, the scarcity of accessible public charging points. It’s a huge step toward Richmond and Wandsworth’s sustainability goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and ultimately becoming carbon zero by 2050.
“The current surge in EV sales is driving increased demand for charging facilities, and this can create issues for drivers who don’t have access to off-street charging where they live. By expanding their EV charge point network to provide convenient facilities for both residents and businesses using electricity from 100% renewable sources, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are making the transition to EV easier and helping give drivers the confidence to make the switch.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Richmond and Wandsworth Councils and look forward to continuing to partner with them to support future developments.”
Toby Butler, UK Managing Director, ubitricity.
Crucially, this innovative endeavor has been made possible through the On-street Residential Charge point Scheme (ORCS). They offer grant funding to local authorities for residential on-street charge point installations. This funding covers up to 60% of procurement and installation costs, aligning perfectly with the councils’ commitment to sustainable mobility.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, in partnership with ubitricity, are embarking on a journey to electrify their buroughs. Their shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future is rapidly taking shape on the streets of London.
