More than 170 fast chargers for electric vehicles are being installed in Redbridge 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.
By switching to an electric vehicle, drivers are not only lowering their carbon footprint and helping the environment, but also helping improve air quality.
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.
The first phase of the project kicked off with the announcement of Believ being awarded the contract to install, operate and maintain the fast chargers.
Funded through Uber and Believ, the installation of the first tranche of chargers is expected to start early next year.
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.
Resident Atik Zaman, from Gants Hill, recently made the switch to an electric vehicle, and said: “I love my cars and was a complete petrol head, but you get to a point in your life where you start thinking about how your actions will impact on the type of future your children will have. For me the climate crisis played a big part in my choice to move to electric as it meant I’d no longer be polluting the air with harmful carbon dioxide from my vehicle.
“Long term they are also much more economical because you’re not having to fill up on fuel, plus there’s no road tax on fully electric vehicles.
“It’s great to see so many EV charging points being installed across the borough. It’s a big boost for residents thinking about buying an electric vehicle.”
Uber partnered with Redbridge and two other boroughs, with the goal of helping fund the introduction of more fast chargers across the capital. By helping increasing London’s overall EV charging network Uber aims to bring more on-street charging access both to its drivers and other EV users in London.
Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Our goal is to keep expanding Redbridge’s on-street electric vehicle charging network to make it easier for local people to switch to an electric vehicle, helping to cut air pollution and tackle climate change in the process. And this also means helping local taxi and private hire drivers in Redbridge to switch to electric vehicles too. Working in partnership with Uber and Believ to install additional on-street charge points, we’re making switching to an electric vehicle easier, with more places to charge across our borough.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager of Uber in the UK, said: “We are delighted to work with Redbridge Council on this vital project to boost EV infrastructure. Drivers often tell me that being able to access reliable charging near their homes is critical to their decision to switch to an electric vehicle. By targeting investment where it is most needed, we are confident that many more drivers will make the switch to electric.”
Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO said: “We are thrilled to support Redbridge Council in what is a very significant project that will drastically improve access to EV charging in the borough, as well as supporting the Council’s Clean Air targets. The partnership with Uber is an excellent example of private industry working together with councils to accelerate the roll out of EV charging in the UK.”
Read about the benefits of owning an electric vehicle in Redbridge here.
