London electric vehicle infrastructure plan welcomed by CBI

The UK faces the twin challenges of acting on climate change, and improving levels of air quality, particularly in towns and cities. This is particularly true in London, where the switch to electric and other low-carbon vehicles will help improve the environment and support the new target of a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With the creation of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London earlier this year, there is another incentive for businesses and individuals to switch to lower emission vehicles.

To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles in London, Sadiq Khan established the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce to bring together private enterprise and the public sector, in a bid to unlock barriers to installing much-needed charging infrastructure. The CBI joined a number of members to inform the Taskforce’s work, and subsequent recommendations were announced this week.

The CBI welcomed the collaboration between business, government and the London boroughs through the Taskforce, and the launch of the Mayor’s London electric vehicle infrastructure plan that has followed. The plan brings forward vital initiatives and projects, such as new hubs of rapid chargers, opportunities for Londoners to request new charging infrastructure, and plans to develop a smart grid that supports more electric vehicle charging. CBI members are at the heart of this plan, such as BP Chargemaster, which is installing the next generation of ultra-rapid chargers at BP forecourts across London, and Uber which is aiming to have every car on its app fully electric by 2025. In a world where the future of mobility is changing, this is a milestone for the capital and shows that business stands ready to invest to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the city.

The transition to low-carbon transport is one of the core campaigns of the CBI Energy and Climate Change team. We recognise the fundamental role of business in delivering the infrastructure, vehicle development and manufacture, and purchasing that will make this change a reality. We will continue to work in partnership with members across the country to support the roll-out of electric vehicles and other low-carbon infrastructure.