During the London EV Show, Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of the city for Environment and Energy, highlighted that one of the most notable advancements in the metropolis is the electrification of its famous black cabs.
Over 60% of this fleet now operates with electric vehicles (EVs), a figure that positions the metropoli as a global leader.
This progress reflects a joint effort between the public and private sectors to transform a service that has been a symbol of London’s mobility for decades.
“We know that there are workers who need to drive to make a living,” he states.
He adds: “That’s why we need an ambitious programme to help them transition to EVs.”
In this context, the British capital is already advancing with ambition to expand its charging infrastructure.
Currently, the city boasts 22,000 EV “refuelling“ stations, the result of collaborations between Transport for London, local districts, and private companies.
Nevertheless, Coban emphasises that these efforts must be intensified to reach the target of 40,000 chargers in the coming years.
This deployment is crucial not only for taxis but also for the growing fleet of eBuses and private vehicles in the city.
The infrastructure is complemented by rapid charging hubs, an initiative aimed at facilitating access to this technology for professional drivers and citizens alike.
“The network is not only a response to growing demand but also a confidence builder for citizens considering adopting an EV,” the politician insists.
In this context, he underscores the importance of public-private partnerships, noting that private sector innovation is key to meeting the city’s climate goals.
“While politicians set the framework, it is the companies and startups that develop the innovations necessary to achieve our goals,” he says.
The British capital is not only leading in the electrification of taxis but also in public transport.
With a fleet that includes over 1,700 eBuses, the launch of the first pantograph-equipped vehicle on Route 358 marks a milestone towards a fully electric network by 2030.
This technology allows vehicles to charge directly from urban infrastructure, optimising time and resources.
“Our goal is not only to reduce emissions but also to reimagine public transport as an even more efficient and sustainable option,” explains Coban.
This comprehensive approach aims for more than 80% of journeys in the city to be made on foot, by bicycle, or using collective mobility means, a target already achieved by the borough of Hackney.
And that’s not all.
A fundamental pillar of London’s strategy is to ensure that the transition to a cleaner mobility model benefits all communities.
“The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is also a matter of social and racial justice,” Coban asserts.
This commitment translates into inclusive policies that seek to prevent the most vulnerable sectors from perceiving this transition as an economic burden.
“We know there is a huge skills gap for this transition: from building retrofits to green technology and the installation of fast chargers in our city,” he explains.
This is why the city has also launched educational programmes to train the next generation of workers for green jobs.
The politician also referred to the recent experience of Valencia, which was severely impacted by an extreme weather event.
He reinforced the need for an ambitious programme that not only reduces emissions but also protects communities from natural disasters.
London as a global model?
With a clear vision and ambitious goals, the British capital is positioning itself as a model to follow in electric and sustainable mobility.
Its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 is a proposal “10 to 20 years faster than most cities in the world.”
“We are aware that London is at the forefront of implementing the globe’s largest clean air zone, urban reforestation efforts, and initiatives to tackle the climate crisis,” Coban remarks.
He concludes: “The green transition is not only about saving the planet, but it is also about unlocking economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for all citizens.”
