London’s City Hall has vowed to drive down the price of owning an electric vehicle as it unveiled its first ultra-rapid EV charging hub. The facility, located at Hatton Cross Underground Station, is the first of of 25 planned across the capital, aiming to accelerate the shift to greener transport, says the Evening Standard.

Developed by Places for London, TfL’s property arm, in partnership with Dutch firm Fastned, the 12-bay hub is capable of delivering 100 miles of range with just a five-minute charge and is free to use this week.

Further major EV hubs are planned for Hanger Lane in West London and East Finchley Underground station, with more sites currently in development.

While Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has overseen the electrification of much of TfL’s bus fleet, privately-owned electric vehicles still lag significantly behind petrol and diesel cars. City Hall has pledged to reduce the cost of EV ownership, though this initiative is slated for when zero-emission machines become widely adopted across the capital.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance (pictured, second right) said City Hall were on hand to make the transition to electric vehicles easier for all Londoners.

“TfL, through its property arm, Places for London, is one of London’s largest landowners. It makes sense that we cooperate with the provider of charging infrastructure like Fastned to ensure that we have a variety of ultra-fast, rapid charging centres across London.

“We know that people want to drive electric vehicles, they want to decarbonise their transport. Facilities like this make it easier for people and for public services like the London Ambulance Service.”

(Picture: TfL)