Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity across the UK – and that’s only just the beginning. With rules being enforced by the government to lower emissions, owning and travelling in an electric vehicle is becoming more cost-efficient than ever.
Did you know there are now more EV charging points in the UK than petrol stations according to EDF energy’s 2020 report and Eco Experts’ National Home Energy Survey also showed that 17% of UK car owners intend to buy an EV within the next 12 months.
With that all in mind, alongside the increase in EV home and wireless charging, we’re taking a look at how the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F) are influencing the use of electric vehicles in the city, and helping London become more sustainable.
H&F report the number of EVs registered in the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham in 2021 has grown from 46 to just under 2,300 since 2013. EVs are not only growing in popularity, but H&F are working to increase in popularity amongst its residents, making it easier to own an EV.
Here are a few initiatives H&F implemented to support the EV movement:
- Provided over 350 destination charging points in the Borough alone, offering a fast 7 and 22 kWh charge. This is considerably faster than the basic 2.4 kWh charge.
- Increased the number of lamp post column charging points to 2,000 this year.
- Installed 10 rapid charging points, with a 50 kWh charge. Rapid charge points are the fastest charges available and can charge an electric vehicle battery in 20-30 minutes.
- Partnered with Liberty Charge to increase infrastructure and offer over 100 charging bays.
Why Electric Vehicles?
EVs are cars or vans manufactured with a rechargeable battery instead of a petrol or diesel engine. In most cases, EVs tend to be for the environment, as the carbon emissions created are much lower than petrol or diesel.
Governments are currently setting goals to increase sustainability and decrease emissions.The UK government’s Net Zero strategy published in 2021 aims to reduce emissions and make the country greener in a variety of ways. The strategy sets out to remove carbon emissions from our power and stop the use of internal combustion engines. Goals were set in 2021 to accelerate the shift to zero emission vehicle. These include ending the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, £1 billion to support electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, and £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll-out of charging infrastructure.
Since then, we’ve seen an increased demand for EVs – industry figures state that nearly one in ten of all new cars sold so far this year in the UK are fully electric.
EVs typically have lower running costs than non-electric cars for example, fuel costs drop by approximately 70% when charging from home or overnight street ports. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, maintenance and repair costs associated with petrol & diesel cars are also lower, as EVs have fewer components that require maintenance.
Is there a discount?
H&F currently offers a free resident parking permit for EV owners. To qualify for the free permit you have to meet the following criteria:
- A resident of the Borough of H&F
- The free permit is only applicable to the first permit
- You own a fully electric vehicle, classified as solely relying on a battery and not a combustion engine
- The free permit isn’t available to businesses, car clubs and market traders
Cars that run on low emissions are eligible for a discounted resident permit.
Parking in Fulham Broadway Station
Did you know Fulham Broadway station not only has 150 parking bays but also offers 5 FREE EV charging bays on the lower and basement car park?
With over 20 stores to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of choices. Enjoy Fulham Broadway knowing you can park and charge for free; take your time while you visit the one-stop shop for shopping, eating, exercise and entertainment.
