Sadiq Khan’s goal of installing 40,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points in London by 2030 is under renewed scrutiny after government data showed the capital remains well short of the target.
According to figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), London added 4,749 new public charge points since October 2024, bringing the total to 26,668 — about 70% of the required number.
The figures suggest that while progress has been made, the pace of EV charging points installation will need to accelerate significantly to reach the Mayor’s target within the next five years.
In his 2024 election manifesto, Khan pledged to “work with partners to get to 40,000 electric vehicle charging points in London” by 2030.
However, critics have warned that unless deployment speeds up, the target could come down to the wire.
Hina Bokhari, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the London Assembly, expressed concern about the city’s progress.
“While London is making progress on EV charger rollout, we need to work much faster to meet the Mayor’s 40,000 target by 2030,” Bokhari told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The comments reflect growing frustration among environmental advocates and transport experts, who argue that inadequate charging infrastructure could slow electric vehicle adoption and jeopardize London’s net-zero goals.
London has seen a steady rise in EV ownership, with thousands of drivers switching from petrol and diesel to meet the city’s ultra-low emission standards.
However, the current charging network is unevenly distributed, with outer boroughs lagging behind central areas in public access.
Experts say consistent expansion across all boroughs will be essential to ensure that EV adoption remains practical and equitable.
City Hall has highlighted that London accounts for nearly one-third of all UK charge points, showing its national leadership in EV infrastructure.
Still, the pace of growth must accelerate to meet future demand.
Transport analysts say that public-private partnerships, streamlined permits, and grid upgrades will be critical to delivering the remaining 13,000 chargers.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, the success of London’s EV strategy will depend on sustained investment, collaboration with borough councils, and incentives for private providers to scale up installations.
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