The Source London scheme was set up two years ago with the aim of providing 1,300 publicly accessible charging points. These have been achieved through consortium of over 60 public and private partners, led by Transport for London (TfL), at over 300 sites in the Capital.

In a statement, TfL said it is now looking for a private sector partner to successfully expand the scheme further, eliminating the need for public subsidy.

A notice has been published by the Official Journal of the European Union seeking expressions of interest from potential bidders, with the new contract due to become effective from summer 2014 after the current sponsorship deal between TfL and Siemens ends. 

John Mason, TfL Director for Source London, said: ‘By establishing Source London, we and the Mayor have given a major boost to the emerging electric vehicle industry in the capital and are delighted to have 1,300 charging points in place. Having “pump-primed” the market, we are now seeking a private sector operator who can continue to develop the market, and work to ensure a long term future for a sustainable charging network that is compatible with other schemes across the country.

‘We continue to support a range of initiatives aimed at increasing the take-up of electric vehicles, including the Plugged-in Fleets Initiative which encourages businesses to explore the viability of using electric vehicles in their fleets. TfL is also planning a trial of two electric buses which will be the first time a vehicle of this type has been used to carry passengers in the Capital.’