Cenex, the low emission transport specialists, in collaboration with C40 Cities, Uber, and the Greater London Authority (GLA), has launched a pioneering project to address a pressing challenge for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in large urban centres: finding accessible and affordable charging options for high-mileage vehicles. These vehicles, including Uber drivers, delivery vans, and emergency services, often cover extensive daily distances but face difficulties charging conveniently, especially when home charging is not an option.

The project, running until February 2027, seeks to develop and test new shared charging models in London. Unlike conventional infrastructure serving singular fleets or companies, the proposed model would enable multiple types of fleet operators to share charging points, optimising utilisation based on factors such as time of day and user priority. For instance, a single charging station might serve Uber drivers during peak hours, NHS vehicles during emergencies, and couriers at other times. Cenex is currently designing and operating three real-world pilots across London. These trials will generate data to understand the operational and practical aspects of shared EV chargers, and inform best practice guidance for broader adoption by other global cities aiming to enhance their zero-emission transport strategies.

Juliette Kariuki-Cobbett, Project Lead at Cenex, emphasised the importance of this initiative. Speaking about the project, she said it represents a scalable solution to accelerate the electrification of high-mileage fleets, a difficult sector to decarbonise due to the sheer intensity of vehicle use and the lack of accessible charging infrastructure. The partnership with C40 Cities and Uber provides expert support in navigating these complexities and scaling the initiative beyond London.

C40 Cities Executive Director Mark Watts highlighted the wider benefits of such infrastructure accessibility. He pointed out that making charging easier for the highest mileage drivers is crucial to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, leading to cleaner, quieter urban environments. This sentiment was reinforced by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, who framed the project as part of London’s broader clean air strategy. He underlined the need to support all key vehicle categories—including emergency services and delivery vehicles—in switching to electric power to achieve a fairer, greener city.

The significance of this project also aligns with London’s existing environmental policies, notably the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), operational since April 2019, which charges non-compliant vehicles £12.50 per day to enter central London. This policy has set a global benchmark for urban air quality efforts and underscores the urgency of providing viable electric alternatives for all types of vehicles traversing the city.

Parallel initiatives are underway in other major cities such as Boston and Phoenix, indicating a global movement toward shared and efficient EV charging infrastructure. Uber, a key project partner, is leveraging these efforts to support more than 55,000 drivers in the three cities, combining technical support, research, and policy advocacy. Additionally, Uber is deploying tools like the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Estimator (EVIE) to assist cities in identifying where charging infrastructure is most needed. Beyond cars, Uber is also exploring other electric mobility solutions, such as discounted e-mopeds across Europe and a battery-swap pilot for electric mopeds in London scheduled for late 2025, which complements the broader push for sustainable urban transport.

Together, this multi-stakeholder collaboration represents a critical step in overcoming the infrastructure bottlenecks inhibiting high-mileage EV adoption. By sharing existing charging resources more effectively rather than solely increasing the number of chargers, cities like London can boost accessibility, lower operational costs for fleets, and ultimately speed the transition to cleaner vehicles. The forthcoming insights from these pilots are expected to provide invaluable guidance for cities worldwide striving towards their zero-emission transport ambitions.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services