Mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to make London the "electric car capital of Europe", including the installation of 1300 EV charging points across the capital.
The new charging network, called Source London, should be in place by 2013. But its goal of 1300 charging points is some way short of the 25,000-points target by 2015 that was outlined by Johnson earlier this year. It's thought that the Greater London Authority has been forced to revise the plan on grounds of cost.
Johnson said, "Already there are more electric drivers in London than anywhere else in the UK, but we are now entering an incredibly exciting period in electric motoring. Major manufacturers are gearing up to launch more affordable, practical electric cars over the next few years, whilst the cost of traditional fuels are making petrol-free driving an increasingly attractive option.
"By opting for electric in greater numbers, Londoners will also help to cut pollution levels and improve the city's quality of living." he added.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said, "We recognise that for many people the car is an essential, not a luxury, and that is why we are prioritising spending on making the UK a world leader in ultra low-emission cars. Following the first round of our Plugged-in-Places scheme, cities like London are laying the groundwork for a national charge point network."
The project aims to create a "single visual identity" for the network, which will be open to motorists for "no more than a £100 annual membership fee". Transport for London is also offering the 'Source' brand to other cities that may want to implement similar schemes.
The scheme will launch formally in spring 2011, but its website is already live at www.sourcelondon.net.
