An Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy was agreed last year as part of Richmond Council’s work to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. This outlines a commitment to provide a network of fast chargers and lamp column chargers throughout the borough for residents and businesses alike.
The increase in public charging points is aimed to reduce any barriers preventing people from switching to zero emission vehicles, as well as benefiting those who are already wonders of electric of hybrid vehicles.
The first ten lamp post charging posts were installed earlier this year in residential roads in Twickenham and Barnes. This allows wonders without off street parking to charge their cars. No additional street furniture is required, making the charging points discreet and suitable for the narrow pavements.
Before the end of the year the Council aims to have nearly 70 fixed charging units installed across 21 locations that are suitable for those who require a faster charge on their vehicles. Councillor Peter Buckwell, Richmond council cabinet member for highways said: “Poor air quality is one of the biggest issues facing London. We need to do everything we can to cut vehicle emissions.
“Supporting the take up of electric cars is a key priority for this Council. These zero or low emission vehicles have the potential to reduce local air pollution, but we have to provide the charging infrastructure if that is going to happen.
“I hope that as we continue to roll out more charging points, even more residents will start buying electric cars. They aren’t just good for the environment, they are also good for the pocket!”
Electric vehicle owners can sign up for the scheme and purchase a smart cable – this automatically permits charging and sends the needed information for billing and membership. Each charge point will appear on commercial charge point maps and on the dedicated app from the provider, Ubitricity.
Knut Hechtfischer Ubitricity co-founder said: “We’re proud to be working with the Council to ensure the market’s most flexible electric vehicle charging is available for Richmond.
“Installing our smart solution into London streetlight poles means greater convenience for drivers and residents, cheaper costs for Councils to install more low-impact charging infrastructure and ultimately cleaner air for London.”
