Transport for London (TfL) has launched its first ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Hatton Cross Underground Station, in partnership with Dutch firm Fastned. The 12-bay hub can deliver 100 miles of range with just a five-minute charge and is free to use this week. It is the first of 25 planned hubs across the capital.
Plans for more hubs
Places for London, TfL's property arm, has already drawn up plans for a major EV hub at Hanger Lane in West London and an eight-bay project at East Finchley Underground station, with other sites in the planning process.
Supporting the transition to EVs
Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said City Hall aims to make the transition to electric vehicles easier for all Londoners. "TfL, through its property arm, is one of London's largest landowners. It makes sense that we cooperate with providers like Fastned to ensure a variety of ultra-fast charging centres across London," he said.
Dance added that charging a vehicle is cheaper than petrol over its lifetime, and costs will decrease as adoption increases. UK Fastned Director Tom Hurst noted that scaling infrastructure brings down costs, with membership options for regular users.
Overcoming housing barriers
With most Londoners lacking driveways or garages, access to charging hubs is crucial. The number of EVs in London is projected to rise to between 860,000 and 1,049,000 by 2030, from 175,000 currently. There are around 28,000 charging points across London, with a target of 40,000 by 2030, as pledged by Mayor Sadiq Khan.
TfL Commissioner Andy Lord confirmed the target remains, stating, "We have more charging hubs and EV points in London than anywhere else in the UK. Places for London is a key enabler."
Environmental goals
TfL aims for 80% of all trips in London to be made by public transport, walking, or cycling by 2041, with the remainder as clean as possible. Lord highlighted that for those unable to use active travel, facilities like this provide high-quality rapid charging.
Deputy Mayor for Environment Mete Coban emphasised that these targets ensure Londoners can get around affordably while improving air quality and creating a healthier living environment. The launch came days after TfL unveiled its 3,000th zero-emission bus, meaning a third of the bus fleet is now zero-emission.
