Some 3,000 EV chargers could be installed in Hackney by 2030, under a tender issued by Hackney Council, in what is thought to be one of the biggest area-based expansions of EV infrastructure in the country.
The tender calls for private sector organisations to partner with the council’s energy services arm, Hackney Light and Power, to deliver the new chargers, with the council expecting 1,500 to be installed by 2024, as part of its commitment to support emissions reduction in the borough and support the transition to EVs.
According to the council, transport accounts for 125 kilotonnes of Co2 emissions each year in Hackney – the second biggest borough contributor to climate change after domestic energy use.
While EVs still contribute to particulate matter pollution through tyre wear, Hackney Council believes their uptake will help to reduce tailpipe emissions such as nitrogen dioxide across the borough.
The tender builds on the council’s commitment to provide chargers within 500m of every household, which it aims to meet by the end of 2021, after the installation of a total of 296 charging points, currently a mix of lamppost, fast and rapid chargers.
Cllr Mete Coban, cabinet member for energy, waste, transport and public realm, at Hackney Council, said: “Decarbonising our transport system is one of the most significant ways we can help reduce emissions in the borough and tackle the climate crisis – with this landmark tender representing a huge investment in charging infrastructure locally.
“As with much of our work to rebuild a greener Hackney, this will also have tangible benefits for local residents: it’ll be easier to switch to EVs and we’ll see air quality improved.
“However, to keep making Hackney a better place to live, we’re also clear that this work must also sit alongside an overall reduction in vehicle ownership, which is why we’ve introduced tens of new School Streets and low traffic neighbourhoods – supporting us all to walk, cycle and use public transport locally.”
