Context
More than 170 fast chargers for electric vehicles are being installed in Redbridge by Believ to boost the borough’s EV network and support greener travel thanks to a landmark project with Uber. The project is part of the borough’s bid to support local people to adopt more sustainable and greener travel choices including making the switch from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles. Transport was identified as one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in Redbridge, making it one of the council’s key areas for action in tackling climate change and creating a cleaner, and greener Redbridge for local people. By switching to an electric vehicle, drivers, particularly taxi drivers, some of whom drive over 1000kms per week. Here, we are not only lowering carbon footprint and helping the environment, but are not only lowering their carbon footprint and helping the environment, but making a step change in improving air quality by focusing on sustainable transport solutions.
As part of the expansion of the borough’s EV infrastructure, the project will see 174 fast chargers installed in 87 locations around the borough in 2024. Funded through Uber and Believ, the installation of the first tranche of chargers went live in April 2024.
The increased number of EV charging points in Redbridge also gives local people without the ability to charge on a driveway the confidence to make the switch to electric, knowing they can easily charge an EV using the growing number of public charging points available across Redbridge.
The need for EV charging infrastructure
Using our dedicated Geographical Information System (GIS) tool to collect and analyse data on all relevant factors (e.g., housing types, car registrations and demographics), our expert in-house planning team estimated that the Borough of Redbridge needs at least 2684 fast on-street charging points by the end of 2030, to support residents, businesses and visitors in the Borough.
Our method: Smart Planning
The first stage in our modelling involved forecasting electric vehicle uptake in Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs). This was done with our innovative Geographical Information System (GIS) tool that enabled us to identify the areas with the highest need for EV charging infrastructure. We assessed the location suitability, the overlay of socio-demographic characteristics, housing type, forecast of electric vehicle uptake, grid constraints and infrastructure costs.
Using the GIS tool, we proceeded to categorise the LSOA based on their Local Level of Activation (LLOA), which aggregates the present demand for EV infrastructure with projections of future demand, so that our team could deliver bespoke, future proof and scalable EV charging solutions made to suit the local community.
An additional element to our approach to smart planning has been the creation of 500m buffer zones around each of the Uber request sites. This has enabled us to ensure Uber drivers have EV charge point infrastructure close to where they live.
Outcome and future deployment
We worked with the local authority to select over 80 sites providing capacity for 348 sockets. So far, we have installed over
106 sockets across the borough.
Believ will continue to work with Redbridge to monitor the utilisation of the existing charging points and to strengthen the network with new charge point installations, based on growing demand.
