Background
Project Centre delivered a comprehensive electric vehicle strategy to identify areas of demand, and likely future demand, for public EV charging across the London Borough of Merton. Since 2019, Merton has seen a gradual growth in EV, registering one of the highest numbers of licensed plug-in-hybrid drivers in London.
Hence, there is a significant opportunity for the borough to decarbonise transport by facilitating a mass transition to EVs. Given this scenario, Merton Council wants to ensure that there is a viable public charging provision within a reasonable walking distance for all residents, especially for the ones without access to off-street parking.
Process
Project Centre developed a comprehensive EV strategy, including an overview of EVs, EV charging, and a discussion on the main questions and myths surrounding the subject. To better understand the current demand and future expansion, our expert team collected and analysed data on:
- Current public EV charging provision
- Current EV ownership
- Current charge points utilisation
Using Geographic Information Systems, we pioneered a unique approach to mapping and identifying areas of high, medium, and low demand for implementing future public charge points. Based on our findings, to ensure an equitable and accessible charging network, the borough should provide charge points at:
- one minute’s walking distance from high-demand areas
- three minutes walking distance from medium-demand areas
- five minutes walking distance from low-demand areas
Outcome of our EV report
Our engagement team is now undertaking consultations to back up our data analysis. This will help to fully inform the delivery of a growth plan for Merton. The engagement activities comprise online and printed surveys for the community as well as a series of workshops with key stakeholders and Merton officers.
Facilitating the transition to EVs will help Merton to better their environment by tackling emissions and improving air quality. We will also assist the Council with promoting car club operators’ growth within the borough. This can contribute to reducing dependency on privately owned vehicles as well as encouraging more sustainable forms of transport where possible.
