UK Power Networks has installed around 60 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge units at 12 London Underground (LU) car parks across the region.

The funding for the EV charge point installations was provided through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ Plugged in Places Scheme and through UK Power Network Services.

According to the company, the new EV charge units have a capacity to charge two vehicles simultaneously, can provide charging at either fast or rapid rates such as 7KW or 22KW, and are accessible through the Source London charging network.

Commenting on the installations, Transport for London Commercial Development Director Graeme Craig said that the project is the first bulk installation of rapid electric vehicle charge points in London and will enable drivers to fully charge their cars in an hour.

UK Power Networks Low Carbon London programme director Michael Clark said, "These new public charge points are among hundreds we are monitoring in London to help us design smarter ways to support electric vehicle expansion, without overloading the electricity network.

"We are exploring ‘smart’ solutions to manage those peaks, without incurring the cost and disruption of digging up the road to lay new cables, supporting take-up of low carbon technologies which can deliver cleaner air for the capital."

These charge points, located across Loughton, Snaresbrook, Newbury Park and Redbridge; Cockfosters, Oakwood and Arnos Grove; Stanmore and Rayners Lane and Chalfont and Latimer; Blackhorse Road; and High Barnet, were manufactured by Siemens.