London’s EV Infrastructure Gets a Major Upgrade: TfL Releases Updated Strategy

WeFlex Marketing
3 days ago
2 min read

Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled its updated Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy, providing a detailed snapshot of London’s rapidly evolving charging network and setting out plans for the years ahead.

Charging Network Growth

London’s public charging infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years. The capital now boasts 55 hub sites with six or more rapid charge points, compared with just 14 in December 2021. In total, there are over 25,500 public charge points across the city—almost triple the 9,000 available when TfL first published its EV strategy in 2021.

Most of these points are low-power chargers (up to 8kW), with 20,600 installed across lamp posts and on-street locations by London boroughs. Meanwhile, the city is seeing a surge in higher-powered options: over 1,400 rapid and ultra-rapid charge points (50kW+), up from 720 in 2021. Some ultra-rapid chargers now support speeds of up to 400kW, catering to the newest electric cars.

EV Uptake in London

EV adoption is accelerating in the capital. In 2024 alone, 45,240 new plug-in cars were registered, bringing the total to over 221,500 plug-in vehicles. Electric van registrations are also growing, though at a slower pace, with 6,700 plug-in vans now on London roads.

Future Infrastructure Needs

TfL projects that London will require 43,000–51,000 public charge points by 2030, including up to 3,500 rapid chargers. By 2035, this is expected to rise to 69,000–79,000 points, including up to 4,300 rapid chargers. Despite this growth, access to suitable land remains a challenge, particularly for rapid and ultra-rapid points.

TfL plans to address this by:

Unlocking GLA Group and borough-owned land, including parking bays suitable for rapid chargers.
Expanding rapid and ultra-rapid chargers through partnerships, including a new joint venture with Fastned.
Supporting London boroughs in deploying on-street chargers.
Improving the consumer experience, with potential options for discounted charging through public sector contracts.

Supporting Fleets and Commercial Vehicles

TfL is also prioritizing fleet electrification, including public sector and emergency service vehicles. Guidance for commercial vehicle charging will be published in 2026, with data on potential electric HGV locations following in 2025/26.

Calls for Government Action

TfL has outlined several requests to the UK Government, including:

Continuing the plug-in taxi grant and removing VAT on zero-emission taxis and accessible private hire vehicles.
Reducing VAT on public charging to match domestic rates.
Maintaining and extending plug-in van and truck grants.
Aligning the UK with the Euro 7 emissions standard and introducing a battery health certification scheme.
Mandating the provision of chargers at large fuel retailers and ensuring accessible charging infrastructure.
Coordinating power grid access to support long-term EV infrastructure investment.

Industry Response

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, welcomed the updated strategy, highlighting its focus on real-world challenges, including accessibility for disabled drivers and urban home charging barriers.

“These are crucial steps in making the switch to electric truly inclusive. We look forward to working closely with London authorities to ensure all drivers are fully supported in their transition to cleaner transport,” Edmonds said.