TfL will commit to delivering MORE taxi-dedicated rapid chargers… subject to finding funding
Transport for London (TfL) will commit to delivering taxi-dedicated rapid charging bays in locations where taxi drivers frequently work, subject to funding becoming available.
According to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the transport authority will also work with the taxi industry to ‘understand their specific charging requirements’.
TfL have recently created two taxi-only dedicated rapid charging points (RCPs) at Baynard House in the City of London.
According to the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), the central rapid chargepoint hub at Baynard House is now open. The hub has six 50kW BP Pulse rapid charging points, two of which are taxi only, dedicated points.
London Assembly Member, Sian Berry, asked the Mayor of London what estimate TfL has made of the number of rapid electric car charging points that London will need for a fully electric taxi fleet.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, responded (1): “Transport for London’s (TfL) Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy forecasts that London could need around 40,000 to 60,000 charge points by 2030, of which up to 4,000 could be rapid charging points. This forecast considers the needs of high mileage essential road users such as taxi drivers. Assumptions on taxi use were made as an input to this forecast but this could vary over time and the Strategy does not break down the forecast by user group.
“At 31 October 2022, there were over 11,000 public charge points across London, with 820 rapid charge points. TfL has dedicated 85 of the 311 rapid charge points it delivered for the use of zero emission capable taxis only. Taxis are able to use any publicly available rapid charge point, with many charge point operators providing preferential rates for taxi drivers. The roll out of rapid charging infrastructure by the private sector in London continues at pace.
“TfL has committed to continue to deliver taxi-dedicated rapid charging bays in locations where taxi drivers frequently work, subject to funding becoming available and working with the taxi industry to understand their specific charging requirements.”
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