Croydon Council is making the switch to greener travel easier by enabling the installation of 60 new electric vehicle (EV) charging points in the borough, with 20 more expected before February 2022.
Part of Croydon’s plans to boost sustainable travel in response to the climate crisis, many of the points are in place and ready to use, with the rest to be installed before the end of the year. The charging points will be spread across 32 different sites across the borough.
In partnership with Liberty Charge, these points come as part of a wider scheme supported by central government through the Innovate UK grant, which will see 600 points installed across London by the end of winter.
“Croydon is an example of a forward-thinking borough that is getting on the front foot when it comes to aiding the adoption of EVs, which is inevitable,” said Neil Isaacson, CEO, Liberty Charge.
“We’re collectively against the clock on our sustainability targets and need to get cleaner air into cities. This means getting charge points in the ground and providing the infrastructure to support a growing number of EV drivers and is exactly what local authorities up and down the country should be doing now.”
Croydon is currently working hard toward reaching the goal of 400 new charge points by the spring of 2022.
Interest in EV charge points has grown in Croydon in the past few years, with many residents contacting the council to request points in their neighbourhoods to help make the switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The council itself has four fully electric and 24 hybrid vehicles in its service fleet, and is continuing to explore potential to expand the use of EVs. Currently, the council’s caretaking service use a fully electric van to do vital tasks, such as removing unsafe, fly-tipped materials from council property.
The scheme is a part of the council’s wider plans to tackle the climate crisis and build resilience by enabling green infrastructure projects in Croydon. New cycle routes, public transport improvements, and pedestrian-friendly street projects are also proposed to work with plans to expand access to EVs, and will together help Croydon meet its green travel goals.
“Making electric vehicles a more accessible option for Croydon residents is a key part of our plan to lower emissions and reduce harmful air pollution,” said Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon.
“These charge points put us on track to meet the growing demand in the borough, and help to support residents thinking of making the switch to greener travel alternatives. We look forward to working with our partners to explore even more opportunities to bring green innovation to Croydon.”
