Redbridge Council has teamed up with leading energy provider E.ON and the Mayor of London to bring a powerful ultra – fast electric vehicle charging station to the borough to support greener travel.
Based at the Council’s Ley Street Depot in Ilford, the station features a new twin ultra-fast EV charger, which has the potential to charge a vehicle to a 100-mile range in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the vehicle type.
Funded through E.ON and the Greater London Authority, the new twin ultra-fast charger will be accessible to the public and allow EVs to charge at their maximum rated speed, effectively opening up longer distance journeys for electric vehicle drivers.
Redbridge is the first London borough to partner with E.ON for the innovative project, which comes off the back of the council’s commitment to developing the borough’s EV network and promote cleaner motoring.
The new ultra-fast chargers can be found at the front of the Council’s Ley Street Depot carpark, which is accessible to both businesses and local people. The entrance and exit to the carpark were also given a revamp to support EV charging, with bigger charging bays to accommodate larger commercial vehicles from local businesses.
As well as helping power the council’s growing electric fleet, the project is also part of the borough’s bid to support local people and businesses to adopt more sustainable and greener travel choices including making the switch from petrol or diesel to electric vehicles.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Cllr Jo Blackman said: “This is another positive step forward in our on-going commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the borough, creating a healthier, cleaner and greener environment for our communities to enjoy. We all have a role to play in tackling climate change. Using greener and more sustainable transport to get around our local area is one way in which we can cut air pollution and play our part in tackling the climate crisis.”
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.
Poor air quality is a contributing factor for asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and reduced lung function. Reductions in air pollution (specifically NO2) are projected to have significant health and cost-saving benefits.
By switching to an electric vehicle, drivers are not only lowering their carbon footprint and helping the environment, but also helping improve air quality in the borough.
UK Market Director of E.ON Drive, David Butters, said: “These new ultra-fast chargers will further support the growing number of drivers taking their own action for the climate and moving away from fossil fuels towards electric vehicles. Whether it’s at home, at work or out and about we’re developing the solutions to help drivers run their vehicles conveniently and with confidence. The move to clean energy will play a key role in combating climate change and driving improvements in local air quality.”
London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “The new electric vehicle charging infrastructure will ensure Redbridge is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, offering quick, accessible charging for local residents.
“Supporting electric vehicles helps clean up London’s air and bring down harmful, toxic emissions. It’s great to see Redbridge taking on the climate challenge and supporting us as we build a better London for everyone – a city that is cleaner, greener, fairer and more prosperous for all.”
Customers using the ultra-fast chargers can either subscribe to the service for regular pre-pay use or utilise a pay-as-you-go service accessible via www.eonevpay.co.uk or scanning the QR code on the charger.
For more information go to: https://www.eonenergy.com/electric-vehicle-charging/ultra-fast-charging-stations.html
