Charge point operator Qwello UK is undertaking a full upgrade of the Square Mile’s electric vehicle charging points, delivering a more reliable, convenient and accessible charging experience.

The upgrades wil deliver a more reliable, convenient and accessible charging experience

The project, commissioned by the City of London Corporation, will start work from 7 August 2023 and will introduce latest charging technology.

The new devices offer contactless payment, a reservation service via the Qwello app, 24-7 customer support and an integrated retractable cable with a Type 2 plug that reduces trip hazards, can be operated with one hand, and is compatible with all European and US EV-connection standards.

The work will be completed in phases across the City’s owned car parks, including:

• Minories Car Park at 1 Shorter St (from 7 August to 13 August);
• Baynard House Car Park on Queen Victoria St (from 14 August to 20 August);
• 23 London Wall Car Park (from 21 August to 27 August);
• Tower Hill Car Park at 50 Lower Thames St (from 28 August to 3 September);
• Smithfield Car Park (from 11 September to 18 September.

Charging points at each car park will be temporarily unavailable whilst the upgrades are carried out, but a project website has been set up to enable customers to receive more regular progress updates.

The project supports the City Corporation’s progresses toward its Climate Action Strategy goal of becoming a net zero organization by 2040; encouraging and facilitating use of electric vehicles, powered by 100% renewable electricity, are among the priorities in the strategy.

Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, said: “Much of central London and the Square Mile has experienced higher levels of air pollution than the rest of the UK, but through initiatives such as these, we have been able to reduce the City’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions by more than 55%, since 2008.

“The City’s Climate Action and Air Quality strategies are already bearing fruit,  delivering a clean and safe environment for the Square Mile’s residents, workers and visitors.”

Martin Hale, managing director of pan-European business Qwello UK, said: “We are very proud to have been selected to upgrade the charging points at these prestigious locations with the same solutions being enjoyed by other European cities such as Stockholm, Berlin, Frankfurt and Madrid.

“This builds on our other recent contract success where we’ve won on our core principles such as putting the driver first, high operational uptime, preventing nuisance parking, meeting accessibility standards and adding local social value.”