The growth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in London is outstripping the number of charge points, a new report from the London Assembly environment committee suggests.
It says that this could limit the number of people operating an EV, when 60% of Londoners do not have their own garage or driveway and would therefore need to rely on electric on-street charging.
The report calls for a pan-London approach to electric charging points, spearheaded by the Mayor.
Leonie Cooper, former chairman of the Environment Committee, said: “The Mayor has a key role to play in spearheading the shift to electric vehicles, preferably not individually owned but shared via car clubs.
“We need to get the number and location of charging points right, as well as raise awareness of charging points in the capital. This infrastructure is essential if London is to continue the electric vehicles revolution.”
The report found that encouraging Londoners without their own driveway or garage to get an EV is the biggest challenge for take-up, as concerns about charging points are deep-rooted.
Furthermore, the spread, location and accessibility of electric charging points is more important than the number of charging points, so a strategic pan-London approach is needed.
