As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, London is quickly adapting to meet the growing demand for reliable car charging infrastructure. With the UK aiming to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, London is leading the charge in promoting clean transportation. Whether you're a resident, commuter, or business owner, understanding the availability and benefits of car chargers in London is crucial for making the switch to electric.
In this article, we explore the current state of car charger solutions in London, types of chargers, how to access them, and the city’s commitment to building a greener future.
A Growing Network of EV Chargers in London
London is home to one of the most extensive electric vehicle charging networks in the UK. There are thousands of public charging points across Greater London, covering residential streets, car parks, shopping centres, and motorway services. Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with local councils and private companies, continues to expand this network.
Public chargers are available in various types to suit different EV needs:
Slow Chargers (3-7 kW): Ideal for overnight or long-duration charging, often found in residential areas or workplaces.
Fast Chargers (7-22 kW): Commonly located in car parks and shopping centres, offering a quicker charge suitable for short stops.
Rapid Chargers (43-150+ kW): Found on major roads and service stations, these can charge an EV battery up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
Home Car Charging in London
For EV owners with off-street parking, installing a home charger is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to stay charged. Home chargers typically range from 3 kW to 7 kW and are compatible with most electric cars.
The UK government has supported EV adoption through schemes like the EV Chargepoint Grant (formerly the OLEV grant), which offers a partial subsidy toward home charger installation. In London, many homeowners have taken advantage of this incentive to reduce installation costs and enjoy the convenience of charging overnight at home.
On-Street Charging for Residents
Not all Londoners have access to driveways or garages. To accommodate this, local councils and companies like Ubitricity and Shell Recharge have been converting lamp posts into EV charging points. These on-street solutions make it easier for those living in flats or terraced houses to charge their cars near home.
Residents can often request a charger to be installed on their street through local council programs, especially in areas with rising EV ownership.
Cost of Charging in London
Charging an EV in London can vary in cost depending on the charger type, location, and provider. Home charging remains the cheapest option, averaging around 7p to 15p per kWh (kilowatt-hour), depending on the electricity tariff.
Public charging costs vary:
Slow/fast chargers: £0.20–£0.35 per kWh
Rapid chargers: £0.40–£0.79 per kWh
Many public chargers are operated via apps such as Zap-Map, Pod Point, and BP Pulse, allowing users to locate, activate, and pay for charging with ease.
A Green Vision for the Future
London's mayoral office has committed to making the city a global leader in electric mobility. The London EV Infrastructure Delivery Plan outlines ambitious goals, including 50,000 EV charge points by 2030, with a focus on making EVs accessible to all Londoners.
Businesses are also being encouraged to transition to electric fleets, with special grants and initiatives supporting commercial EV charging infrastructure.
Conclusion
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, London is rising to the challenge with a rapidly expanding and user-friendly car charger network. Whether you need a charge at home, on the street, or on the go, there are plenty of options to keep your EV powered up and ready.
With continued investment and innovation, London is charging forward—making electric driving not just a possibility, but a practical, eco-friendly choice for the future.
