There are 200 on-street electric vehicle charging points (EVCP) currently powering up across the borough, giving residents easier access to a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way of getting around. 

In fact, with far lower running costs than traditional cars, exemption from the congestion charge and ultra-low emission zone schemes and no road tax fees, there has never been a better time to make the switch to electric cars.

Council leader Julian Bell recently teamed up with Source London, which provides many of the borough’s EVCPs, to charge and test-drive a Nissan LEAF electric car.

He said: “For the council, lowering the environmental footprint within the borough and improving air quality is an ongoing priority. We are facing a climate change emergency and it’s vital that we give local people the support they need to take environmentally-friendly options of getting around.

“Going electric also has a positive effect on reducing air pollution. We want to see more people transitioning from older, more polluting cars to electric options and of course walking, cycling and using public transport wherever possible.”

You can find out how he got on charging and test driving an electric car in the video above.

Councillor Bell continued: “Driving in electric car was a really fantastic experience – it is very smooth, with a very quick acceleration so it is a lovely drive, frankly. Not only is it a pleasant ride but of course there are so many environmental benefits.

“You can book a charge point in advance online and park at the same time as charging. After a few hours when you are finished, you simply unplug and drive off. The range that electric cars can travel is increasing all the time and they typically have more than enough power to cover most journeys.”

Powering up via your local streetlight

The council has also introduced charging points in local street lights dotted across the borough to create even more quick and easy opportunities for drivers to power up their electric car.

SimpleSockets, as they are known, have been installed into existing street lights and are powered exclusively by 100% green electricity.

This means that not only are they environmentally-friendly and run at a reduced cost to the council, their convenient location in existing street lights ensures easy access without taking up any extra space on the road.

Councillor Bell said: “I’m delighted that we have installed SimpleSockets in streetlights in the borough – bringing charging points right where residents need it the most.

“With so many charge points across Ealing, there should always be one nearby, allowing you to top up when you need to.

“We hope that, by increasing the number of charging points around the borough, it will help to make this option more attractive for residents. Our long-term aim is to ensure that residents are never more than ten minutes’ walk from one.

“It is just one way to cut our carbon footprint. And, if every one of us decides to make as many as possible of our shorter journeys around the borough by foot or bike it could, cumulatively, have a colossal impact.”

• Find your nearest Source London charge point
• Look for a SimpleSocket in the borough