London will need a significant expansion of its public electric vehicle (EV) charging network over the next decade if it is to meet growing demand and support the transition to cleaner transport, according to a new study.
Researchers compared charging infrastructure across Greater London, Paris, Madrid and Warsaw, finding that while London has one of Europe’s more developed public charging networks, substantial investment will still be needed by 2035 to keep pace with the rapid growth in electric vehicles.
The report, Taking Charge, found London currently has around 3.2 public charge points per 1,000 residents, compared with 5.3 in Paris, 1.0 in Madrid and just 0.5 in Warsaw. However, the study stresses that the challenge is no longer simply installing more chargers, but ensuring they are located in the right places, remain affordable and are accessible to people who cannot charge vehicles at home.
Researchers warn that public charging infrastructure is often concentrated in central and commercially attractive areas, leaving outer boroughs and some lower-income neighbourhoods less well served. They say this creates an “equity issue” for drivers who rely entirely on public charging because they lack off-street parking.
The report estimates London currently has around 27,700 public charging points, made up predominantly of slower AC chargers. By 2035, that figure could need to rise to more than 98,000 chargers under current demand projections. However, smarter planning, greater use of workplace and destination charging, and a reduction in car ownership could cut infrastructure requirements by more than a quarter.
The study also highlights the cost of charging, finding that ad-hoc public charging is most expensive in London when adjusted for purchasing power. Fast DC charging carries a premium in all four cities, making affordability another key challenge for drivers who depend on public infrastructure.
Researchers argue that city authorities should develop long-term charging masterplans, prioritising areas where residents have no access to home charging. They also recommend expanding charging provision at workplaces, car parks and other semi-public locations to reduce pressure on residential streets, while ensuring transparent pricing and fair access.
The report concludes that electrifying road transport remains essential to achieving zero-emission mobility but warns that success will depend on charging networks being reliable, affordable and convenient. It says cities that plan early and invest strategically will be best placed to deliver the transition while ensuring all residents benefit from cleaner transport.
Zak Bond, Campaign Manager at Clean Cities UK, said: ‘London has made real progress on public EV charging, and is a leader in the UK, but the next phase needs to be smarter, not just more of the same. By putting chargers where people actually need them and making better use of workplaces, destinations and rapid charging, we can support the transition to electric vehicles while protecting public space and ensuring residents without driveways aren’t left behind.’
The full findings can be read here.
Photo: Brooks DeCillia