Tower Hamlets Council has successfully completed the procurement of 52 electric vehicles as the first step in our ambitious project to green our fleet, by replacing over 100 diesel and petrol-powered vehicles with cleaner, more cost-effective vehicles. To support these new vehicles, the council will also be investing £3.4m into our electric charging infrastructure.
Last year, the council’s transport fleet decreased their carbon emissions by 7% - both due to route optimisation and more efficient vehicles. These new electric vehicles will take these reductions further by decreasing both carbon emissions and air pollution in the borough. In addition to investing in sustainability, the new vehicles will save council money so we can invest in other areas around the council.
The 52 new electric vehicles are expected to deliver savings of approximately £343,000 per year on lease costs alone, with additional savings anticipated from lower fuel and maintenance expenses. These vehicles will be used across numerous council departments to deliver services for residents.
While the full financial benefits are still being assessed due to the emerging nature of electric vehicle (EV) technology, the transition is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels and enhance the council’s environmental leadership, while delivering a quality service for residents at a lower cost.
A major step towards a cleaner and greener borough:
This procurement aligns with the council’s cleaner and greener strategy which aims to:
- improve air quality and prevent a return to pre-COVID-19 pollution levels.
- encourage the use of cleaner fuel types among residents and businesses.
- support the UK government’s ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2035 (or 2030, subject to review).
Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said:
“This investment into electric vehicles and infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to cutting emissions, improving air quality, and ensuring financial efficiency to deliver the best possible service for residents.
“However, this is just a first step, and we are ambitious – as a council we are working towards having a fully electric fleet supported by extensive charging infrastructure across the borough.
“It is crucial to invest in a sustainable fleet of vehicles that will support the development of our services now and in the future, while delivering efficient and high-quality services to meet the needs of our rapidly growing borough.”
A second rollout phase is planned to acquire an additional 60–70 electric vehicles, subject to infrastructure improvements for more charging points, further funding applications to support expansion, and optimising fleet size based on departmental needs.
Posted on Friday 25th April 2025