100 rapid charging points across the city for electric vehicles
The Mayor of London has launched 100 rapid charging points across the city for electric vehicles, as part of the drive to encourage Londoners to use zero emission vehicles. Sadiq Khan's announcement that rapid charge points have been launched "“ 51 of which for the use of taxis "“ will improve air quality in London because it is key to phasing out the use of diesel.
More is being done to encourage businesses and personal vehicle users to switch to electric vehicles and as well as improving air quality and reducing pollution, the policies for a cleaner London have resulted in major investment from the London Electric Vehicle Company.
In addition, the electric vehicle industry could be extremely lucrative to London and the whole of the UK, which could support 100,000 jobs by 2030.
Mr Khan is determined to ensure London is in place for this expansion of electric cars, which is set to ramp up now that diesel taxis are no longer being licensed, and any taxis licensed for the first time have to show they are zero-emission capable.
Transport for London (TfL) has worked over the past six months to install the 100 rapid charge points in London where a vehicle can be charged up in as little as 30 minutes. This is a huge improvement from the time it takes at regular charge points "“ seven to eight hours.
Speaking at the launch of the new charge points, Mr Khan called on London boroughs to follow this example to encourage the use of electric cars.
He said: "The roll-out of rapid charging points marks a big step forward in the shift to zero-emission vehicles, which the capital desperately needs to clean up our toxic air.
