i-MiEV used to promote vehicle charging network

Transport for London (TfL) welcomed four new Mitsubishi i-MiEVs into its fleet in June, part funded by the Government’s Low Carbon Procurement Programme, as part of the Mayor’s plans to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe.

Managing director, Lance Bradley commented: “We are delighted that the i-MiEV is able to assist in promoting the new plans for a standardised electric vehicle charging infrastructure in London. The ‘one stop shop’ solution to charging is vital to enable the roll out of electric vehicles.”

Source London, which will deliver 1,300 public charging points across London by 2013, is part of the Mayor’s plans for London to become the electric vehicle capital of Europe. The Source London network will create a single visual identity for electric driving across the capital, and allow members to charge their vehicles at any one of these public charging points for no more than an £100 annual membership fee. Currently electric vehicle drivers have to register in each separate borough they want to use charge points in.

The development of Source London, has been led by Transport for London in close collaboration with the London boroughs and a wide range of private sector partners – who will play a key part in funding and providing locations for the network's charge points. Discussions are now taking place with other UK cities developing charge point networks to ensure they can be used seamlessly by electric vehicle drivers and to ensure London's work can contribute to a national network of charge points. Transport for London has offered these cities the use of the trademarked Source brand which could mean the creation of a national network under a single identity.

The Mayor has recently reaffirmed a 100 per cent discount from the congestion charge for electric drivers in the capital, as well as other low emission vehicles, which offers electric vehicle owners using the zone a potential saving of more than £2000 a year.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson: ‘Already there are more electric drivers in London than anywhere else in the UK, but we are now entering an incredibly exciting period in electric motoring. Major manufacturers are gearing up to launch more affordable, practical electric cars over the next few years, whilst the cost of traditional fuels are making petrol-free driving an increasingly attractive option. By opting for electric in greater numbers, Londoners will also help to cut pollution levels and improve the city's quality of living.