A scheme to allow electric car owners to charge their vehicles across London has been launched today. Currently 150 new charge points are available through the scheme, with a target to install a total of at least 1,300 by 2013.
Launched by the capital’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, the Source London scheme is the first city-wide charge point and membership system, where users pay a £100 annual registration fee to use the points.
In support of the scheme, however, Nissan will give owners of its all-electric LEAF model, who live within 40 miles of a Source London branded charging point, a 12 months free subscription when they buy the 100 per cent electric vehicle before the end of the year.
Charge points are located on streets and in car parks and are instantly recognisable by the Source London branding. Users simply touch their membership card to the reader on the charge point and then plug in their vehicle to charge.
Source London is also working closely with other regions to help drive the creation of a UK-wide charge point network. Plans to enable members to use both Source London and the soon to be launched East of England charge point network are currently underway. The East of England network is also set to use the same Source 'look and feel' on their charge points under a scheme called Source East.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I want to rapidly accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and make London the epicentre of electric driving in Europe. Increasing numbers of motorists are opting for cleaner, greener electric transport, delivering a host of benefits to the driver including a 100 per cent Congestion Charge discount. This is set to deliver considerable environmental benefits to our city.
Electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Peugeot iON can use the charge points.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
London Electrical Contractors
I've had an electric car for about 6 months now and it's perfect for getting around London in. I've seen many charging points and it feels good knowing that it’s good for the environment.
August 10, 2011