Merton Council is dedicated to becoming a net zero Borough by 2050. Already on the way to being the best-equipped Outer London Borough for electric vehicle charging, the council’s leaders are eager to explore more ways to make it easier for residents in Merton to make the switch to electric vehicles. Currently 19% of Merton’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Demand is already there from residents – research carried out before the recent installation of lamppost chargers found residents making the switch even before public charge points were available close to their homes.
Merton Leader Councillor Ross Garrod and Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Stephen Alambritis visited a Fastned site in Greenwich last week to see the superfast chargers in action.
They met with Fastned’s UK Site Acquisitions Manager Stephen Edwards, who explained that the facilities can be created on very small sites not suitable for other uses.
He also demonstrated the speedy charging service, which can add up to 300km range in just 15 minutes.
During their visit, the councillors saw the site was in constant use – in fact it is in use throughout the day and night.
The visit helped councillors understand that demand is there, and that bringing facilities like this to Merton can only help residents make the switch.
Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said:
“We want to make it easier for more residents to make the switch to owning, renting or sharing electric vehicles, and seeing the fast charging at Fastned would certainly give Merton residents more charging options.”
Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“The Fastned facility was a great example of the cutting edge of charging technology. To clean up the air we and our children breathe, and to achieve our ambitious climate targets, Merton residents will need facilities like this so charging becomes accessible for all.”
Stephen Edwards, Fastned, said:
“Seeing the charging facility in full use, and how fast cars can be charged, really demonstrated to councillors how Fastned can be part of every Borough’s charging mix.
“I look forward to keeping in touch with Merton’s leaders and exploring opportunities for Fastned to expand into Merton, helping residents make the switch.”