The first 17 chargers are now live in electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO) Believ and Tower Hamlets Council's rollout of more than 70 chargers across 35 sites in the borough.
The rollout is Believ's largest Rapid and Ultra-rapid charging deployment to date and will support residents and commuters travelling through the borough in making the EV transition.
The densely populated central London borough serves as a major transit route for traffic arriving from the northeast and east and is among the local authorities with the highest demand for public charging.
The project, which is fully funded by Believ, will offer both Rapid and Ultra-rapid charging options. This will provide convenient, shorter charging sessions for a range of users, including taxis, fleet vehicles, commuters and local residents, ensuring convenient charging across the borough.
All charge points will be located on street, strategically positioned to ensure practical access for residents and commuters, enabling them to charge their vehicles without having to travel a significant distance outside of their usual routes.
In order to protect current parking access, a system has been devised to include a mixture of dedicated EV parking bays and standard parking bays with EV charging access.
Among the first live locations are White Horse Lane, Prusom Street, Plumbers Row, Alfred Street, Stepney Green and Chrisp Street.
All of Believ's chargers can be found with the Zapmap app, and charging sessions can be started and paid for with just a tap in the app, or with the Zapmap charging card.
Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said:
“We are proud to be supporting Tower Hamlets with its EV charge point rollout, delivering rapid and ultra-rapid charging across the borough. Believ’s fully funded offering helps local authorities to make their electric vehicle infrastructure goals a reality.
“With their strategically positioned locations, these charge points will be instrumental in serving both residents and through-traffic, advancing electric mobility across the region.”
Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for a Clean and Green Borough, said:
"Expanding our public charging network is a vital part of making electric vehicle ownership a realistic option for more people in Tower Hamlets.
"Believ's investment in rapid and ultra-rapid charging infrastructure, alongside competitive tariffs, will help ensure residents, commuters, taxi drivers and businesses have access to reliable, convenient charging where they need it most.
"This rollout is another important step towards delivering our Climate Emergency Plan by reducing transport emissions and supporting a cleaner, greener Tower Hamlets."
