Sutherland Avenue in the London borough of Westminster is the first street in the United Kingdom to have its lampposts converted into charging stations for electric vehicles. Over the next few weeks, a further two adjoining streets will be fitted with charging stations.
This project is the result of a study carried out by the German company Siemens. It revealed that more than a third (36 %) of British motorists plan to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle as their next car. Although two out of five people (40 %) added that a lack of recharging points discouraged them from doing so. This makes it the biggest factor deterring motorists from buying an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Westminster wants to install one thousand recharging points
The project ‘Electric Avenue, W9’ shows a shift in attitude towards electric cars in the British capital. Data reveals that 80% of motorists in central London believe it is ‘very important’ to improve air quality. Around 83% have become more concerned about their carbon footprint within the past five years. Westminster saw a 40% growth in e-cars registered there in 2019. Westminster currently has more charging points than any other British municipality. There are plans to add up to one thousand charging points throughout Westminster City over the coming year.
Supporting the change to green technology
“In a city that suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the country, we need to be supporting the change to green technology as much as we can. ‘Electric Avenue, W9’ gives us a glimpse into the future of streets in Westminster, where we hope to provide the infrastructure needed for our residents to make the switch to cleaner, greener transport,” said Cllr Andrew Smith, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways.
Ban on petrol cars and diesels draws closer
“As the petrol and diesel car ban draws closer and London boroughs work to improve our air quality, we’re excited to have completed our first fully converted Avenue, ‘Electric Avenue, W9’. Our partnership with ubitricity to convert lampposts for charging EV and hybrid vehicles is one of many initiatives Siemens is undertaking to help futureproof our roads and help drivers make better choices when it comes to travel,” said Bernard Magee, Sales Director of Future Grid at Siemens.
You can find more information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure here.
Find more information on Electric Avenue here.
Find more IO articles on electric mobility here.
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