Source London, the capital’s electric vehicle charge point network and membership scheme, has now met the Mayor of London’s commitment to provide 1,300 publicly accessible charging points.

Since its launch two years ago, 1,300 charging points have been installed by a consortium of over 60 public and private partners, led by Transport for London (TfL), at over 300 sites in the capital. 

These include supermarkets, shopping centres, council and private car parks, hospitals and on the street – and make it Europe’s largest urban charging network.

The electric vehicle market in London is now sufficiently mature to mean that there are private sector companies who are well positioned to invest in electric vehicle charging in the capital and to successfully expand the scheme even further.

As well as taking Source London to the next level, this will also eliminate the need for public subsidy.

For this reason, TfL has today published a notice which will shortly appear in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) seeking expressions of interest from potential bidders in order to take over the management and operation of the scheme.

A private sector operator is being sought from summer 2014 after the current sponsorship deal between TfL and Siemens ends. 

The sponsorship deal enabled the delivery of the back office and IT functionality of the scheme at no cost to the public purse.

In developing options for the future of the scheme, TfL is working closely with the Government, partners and key stakeholders to protect the legacy of Source London and ensure it develops to meet the needs of all electric vehicle drivers in the capital.

Matthew Pencharz, environment and political advisor to the Mayor of London, said: “The Mayor’s plans to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe have been given a flying start with the installation of charging points across the city through Source London. 

“The scheme has made big strides in supporting the capital’s electric vehicle revolution, which is helping to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and deliver jobs and growth. 

“Earlier this year, the Mayor announced his intention to create the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London which would provide a major incentive for the mass take-up of zero and low emission vehicles. 

“This is testament to his ongoing commitment to encourage 100,000 electric vehicles on to the capital’s streets as soon as possible.”

John Mason, TfL director for Source London, said: “By establishing Source London, we and the Mayor have given a major boost to the emerging electric vehicle industry in the capital and are delighted to have 1,300 charging points in place. 

“Having ‘pump-primed’ the market, we are now seeking a private sector operator who can continue to develop the market, and work to ensure a long term future for a sustainable charging network that is compatible with other schemes across the country.

“We continue to support a range of initiatives aimed at increasing the take-up of electric vehicles, including the Plugged-in Fleets Initiative which encourages businesses to explore the viability of using electric vehicles in their fleets. 

“TfL is also planning a trial of two electric buses which will be the first time a vehicle of this type has been used to carry passengers in the capital.”

The publication of the OJEU notice today is the first stage in a competitive tender process that will enable the successful operator to take over the scheme in summer 2014. 

Potential bidders wishing to indicate an expression of interest should do so formally by Thursday 13 June 2013. 

It is expected that the new contract will be awarded later this year.
 

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