The electricity distributor and TfL are working to boost the capital’s charging network ahead of the introduction of the ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) in April, with UK Power Networks designing the most cost-effective methods to deliver the electrical capacity required.
“Running electric buses isn’t as simple as installing a few more electrical sockets,” said Neil Madgwick, head of service delivery at UK Power Networks.
“By carefully assessing the requirements we were able to significantly reduce the amount of power that was needed and introduce timed connections. For example, Holloway bus garage uses smart charging, drawing its maximum power between 11pm and 6am when local electricity demand is very low. This can help improve the city’s air quality in a cost-efficient way.”
UK Power Networks converted the UK’s first all-electric bus garage at Waterloo in 2016, followed by Camberwell, Croydon, Northumberland Park, Shepherds Bush (pictured), Willesden, Hounslow, New Cross and now Holloway.
The company also established a team to help TfL deliver rapid chargers for the public, and says it is on target to install 300 of these by 2020.