Ealing Council is set to procure electric vehicle (EV) charge points across six London boroughs, aiming to boost sustainable transport and improve air quality.
The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where councillors agreed to move forward with the large-scale infrastructure project. The initiative will see EV charge points installed across Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Haringey, and Brent, with Ealing Council acting as the lead authority.
Funding for the project comes from central government via the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, alongside private sector investment. The Cabinet Report_LEVI indicates that funding is expected to be a minimum of 70% from private sources and 30% from grant funding. The contract will be structured as a concession agreement, transferring operational risks such as installation, maintenance, and revenue generation to the appointed concessionaire. This ensures that the financial burden does not fall on the councils involved.
The project aims to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure, supporting the transition to electric vehicles and contributing to Ealing's climate action goals. The council's report stated that a key target for the procurement is to install charge points in areas with higher deprivation, improving access to decarbonised transport for all residents. This measure aims to ensure equitable access to charging points, particularly for residents without off-street parking.
The full minutes of the meeting are available on the council's website.
