London courier service calls for “urgent investment” in capital’s EV charging network to hit 2030 net zero targets

Addison Lee has called for “urgent investment” in London’s public charging network, after data from the introduction of the first EVs onto its fleet showed issues with the capital’s infrastructure.

Since the first Volkswagen ID.4s were introduced into the fleet on Monday November 22, the start of the transition to a fully-electric fleet by 2023, Addison Lee’s data has revealed “insufficiency, inefficiency, and inconsistency” in the public charging network.

According to a survey conducted among the first drivers of the Addison Lee EVs, 93 per cent have not found rapid charging through the public network to be an easy process. Drivers revealed that rapid chargers are often found to be broken or damaged (57 per cent), while over a third (37 per cent) said that it can tend to take them over 30 minutes to locate a rapid charger.

In moving to an all-electric fleet, Addison Lee will soon be the only PHV fleet operator in London that can fully support businesses to achieve their internal net zero pledges, helping them to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

The electrification of its full 4,000 strong fleet by 2023 will remove an estimated 20,000 tonnes of CO2 from London’s roads each year, improving London’s air quality, while positively contributing to the Mayor of London’s 2030 net zero carbon target.

A statement issued by the company reads: “Private hire and taxi drivers across the industry will soon rely on the capital’s overextended rapid charging network. Transport for London (TfL) has estimated that London will need almost 4,000 rapid EV charging points by 2030 but currently just over 600 are in place, which are not available to all EV owners.”

Addison Lee’s CEO, Liam Griffin, commented: “COP26 was a clear reminder of the responsibility every business has to reduce its carbon output and tackle the climate crisis. By pledging to electrify by 2023 we are playing our part in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the capital. But our commitment is not enough.

“To meet London’s 2030 net zero carbon target, every fleet operating in London needs to transition to electric as quickly as possible.”