TfL and TotalEnergies partner to speed up capital’s charger roll-out

Transport for London has signed a new deal with TotalEnergies to expand the capital’s ultra-rapid charging network with new devices on public land.

The new arrangement will see fuel and energy giant TotalEnergies install 43 new chargers in key locations, aimed at supporting commercial drivers such as taxi and delivery drivers.

The infrastructure will be a mixture of 100kW and 200kW devices, capable of delivering a 10-80% in as little as 30 minutes for compatible vehicles.

TfL said the new devices will be installed on public land near “key routes used for essential road journeys”, with a large number of them planned for south London, including Bromley, Lewisham and Sutton. The transport authority said that the main focus will be on supporting high-mileage commercial drivers who need frequent and quick charging stops, but will also increase charging opportunities for local residents.

There are now 258,000 electric cars and vans registered in London and the capital has around one third of the entire UK’s charger provision. There are currently more than 27,980 public chargers in the city, including 1,550 rapid or ultra-rapid units. However, projections suggest the city will need between 43,000 and 51,000 charge points, including 3,500 rapid/ultra-rapid charge points, by 2030.

The latest contract is the second signed with TotalEnergies and is part of a wider programme to support EV infrastructure across the capital. Places for London – TfL’s property company – has partnered with Fastned to create 25 ultra-rapid charging hubs around the city by 2030. TfL has also awarded contracts to Zest for more than 40 chargers and is about to invite tenders for the next patch of locations on the TfL road network.

David Rowe, director of investment planning at TfL, said: “We’re pleased to be playing our part in expanding the delivery of rapid and ultra-rapid charging bays across the capital.

“By unlocking our land to bring new EV bays forward, we’re working with both TotalEnergies and Zest to provide the infrastructure that Londoners need to have the confidence to transition to electric vehicles. This will then help clean up London’s air and tackle climate change, meaning that together, we’re helping London to become a greener city for everyone.”