Electric Vehicles
Tower Hamlets Council is looking to expand its electric vehicle-charging network to further support the adoption of low emission electric vehicles and reduce air pollution across the borough. The demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) in Tower Hamlets is very high and continues to grow annually. To meet the demands of this growth the council is working to add more charging points to its existing network.
Tower Hamlets has the fifth highest level of air pollution in London and around 40% of our residents live in areas that breach EU and government guidance on safe levels of air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles will be one of the most important steps towards achieving our air quality objectives and achieving our goal to be a net zero by 2050.
Reducing emissions from transport will be a key part of our plans to improve air quality in the borough and achieving our carbon reduction commitments.
Types of Charging Point
Column Charging Points (5kw)
Many standard (5kW) charging points are installed at lamp columns (lampposts). These points are operated by two companies, ubitricity and char.gy. Signs on lampposts will display the operator name. Bays are not dedicated for EV charging so you must comply with parking restrictions and ensure your cable is not a trip hazard or obstructing the footway.
More details on how to charge your vehicle using lamp columns are available on each company's website.
You can report faulty Ubitricity charging points by emailing support@ubitricity.co.uk or calling 0800 024 6279.
Faulty Char.gy charging points can be reported by emailing support@char.gy or calling 0800 086 9606.
Fast Chargins Points (7kw)
Total Energies operate 23 fast chargers (7kW) across the borough with dedicated EV bays. There is a 4 hours limit on charging and residents can access a resident discount. More details of charging costs can be found here.
You can report faulty Total Energies charging points by emailing customerservices@source-london.co.uk or calling 0203 056 8989.
Rapid Chargins Points (50kw plus)
There are currently no rapid chargers on Tower Hamlets public highway. But there are plans to install 35 in the next 12 months (see below). You can find rapid (50kw) and ultra rapid (100kw plus) charging points at the Sainsburys in Whitechapel and within Canary Wharf.
Locating Charging Points
The locations of all charging points in Tower Hamlets can be found on the Zap Map website.
Charging Tariffs
All chargers in the borough can be accessed using a QR code attached to each charger. Fast chargers also allow for users to use an RFID card to access the chargers. All rapid chargers will have a contactless payment facility which allows payment through a bank card or phone.
- More information on pricing for Totals Energies fast chargers is available on the Total Energies website
- More information on pricing for Chargy column chargers is available on the Chargy website.
- ubitricity chargers are provided through the Shell Recharge platform and the tarrif is 39p per kw for peak and off-peak charging.
Be aware that some EV apps charge a premium to use charging points. Pay-as-you-go rates using a QR code at the charging point may be cheaper.
Parking Charges
Parking charges do not apply to vehicles in designated electric vehicle only parking bays when vehicles are plugged into the charging points. Where there is no dedicated bay, users of lamp column charging points should comply with parking arrangements on that street.
Our plans for over 2300 new chargers in 2025 and 2026
2,000 new column Ubitricity chargers
Installations are currently underway for 2,000 new lamp column chargers delivered by Ubitricity/Shell Recharge.
35 new Rapid Chargers
We are currently undertaking site feasibility work for 35 new rapid chargers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How are residents been consulted?
Under S17 of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2013, we are required to put up public notices in any area we are proposing charging points. Residents have 28 days to raise any concerns or objections to be considered by the council
Is there any cost to the installation?
There is no cost to the council for the chargers or their installation. All costs are met by the individual supplier.
Why are there no dedicated EV bays for your column chargers?
We are currently working through our first project for installing 2000 column chargers across the borough without allocating dedicated bays. This is in order is to balance the needs of local residents who don't have EVs yet with those that do. By significantly increasing the numbers of chargers in an area, EV drivers are more likely to find an available charger.
Is there more risk for electric vehicle catching fire?
Research has shown, electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than fossil fuelled vehicles. For more information, please see a report compiled by the Energy Savings Trust summarising current research and data.
What will it cost to charge my electric vehicle?
Charges will vary according to the supplier operating the charging point. See the Charging tariffs section above.