Cenex, a specialist in low emission transport, has partnered with C40 Cities, Uber, and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to tackle a pressing challenge for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in urban areas: providing convenient, affordable charging solutions, especially for high-mileage vehicles frequently operating in London. This project concentrates on vehicles covering extensive daily distances, including Uber drivers, delivery services, and emergency vehicles. These groups often lack home charging options and require rapid, accessible public charging to maintain their demanding schedules in a city where public chargers can be costly, scarce, or inconvenient to reach.

The initiative seeks to trial innovative shared charging models that accommodate multiple fleet operators using the same infrastructure, based on variable demand throughout the day. For instance, a single charging station could serve Uber drivers at peak hours and NHS vehicles or courier services at other times. Cenex will implement three real-world pilot projects across London, meticulously analysing trial data to refine this shared-use approach and compile best practice guidelines. The intent is for these findings to help cities globally optimise existing charging infrastructure rather than solely expanding the number of chargers.

This collaborative project, running until February 2027, is part of a broader global effort, with similar trials underway in Boston and Phoenix. Juliette Kariuki-Cobbett, Project Lead at Cenex, remarked on the potential impact, stating that enabling shared usage of existing chargers is a crucial step to encourage electrification among high-mileage fleets and offers a scalable solution suitable for other major cities. Mark Watts, Executive Director at C40, emphasised the environmental benefits, noting that enhancing charger accessibility not only improves urban air quality and reduces noise but also helps the highest-mileage drivers transition to EVs, significantly cutting urban carbon emissions. London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of supporting emergency services and essential transport through improved charging infrastructure to achieve a cleaner and fairer city.

This project aligns with Uber’s extensive commitments in London, where the company has pledged to fully electrify its fleet by the end of 2025. Uber has invested heavily in this goal, including a £5 million outlay to install over 700 fast EV chargers in the London boroughs of Brent, Newham, and Redbridge. These chargers are strategically located in areas with large driver populations, particularly benefiting those without home charging facilities. The investment forms part of a wider £145 million clean air fund dedicated to helping drivers acquire or rent EVs, supported by London’s suite of policies such as the Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which incentivise environmentally friendly vehicle choices.

Uber’s collaboration with C40 Cities extends beyond London to include Boston and Phoenix, aiming to support over 55,000 drivers lacking convenient access to charging in these cities. This partnership combines technical support, research, and advocacy to facilitate EV adoption among high-mileage drivers globally. By focusing on shared charging infrastructure and strategic deployment of chargers, the initiative addresses a key barrier to EV uptake in urban settings where private charging remains out of reach for many.

London’s efforts to promote EVs are further supported by well-established policies such as the Congestion Charge zone, operational since 2003, covering 21 square kilometres of the city centre. This zone charges most vehicles on weekdays but offers a 100% discount for full electric, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, encouraging their widespread use and improving urban air quality.

Together, these coordinated efforts between government bodies, private companies, and environmental organisations represent a comprehensive strategy to accelerate London’s progress toward zero-emission transport. By making EV charging more accessible, affordable, and efficiently shared among high-demand users, the city aims to foster a cleaner, healthier urban environment while advancing its climate and sustainability targets.

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Source: Noah Wire Services