Abstract
London’s Mayor Johnson has given a high priority to Electric Vehicles (EVs) as the most appropriate road transport technology to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality. This chapter outlines the policy rationale that underpins the Mayor’s strategy to stimulate the early market for EVs, and reviews its implementation over the period 2009–2014. The Mayor of London’s commitment has been demonstrated through initiatives that include the development of the diesel-electric hybrid ‘New Bus for London’, experimental hydrogen fuel cell powered buses and taxis, by collaboration with commercial operators to pilot electrification of freight transport, and by plans to create ‘the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone’ by 2020. Another key objective has been to create an extensive infrastructure for recharging electric scooters, motorcycles, cars, vans and light trucks by 2015. The authors consider these developments with reference to recent research on early market adaptation to electric driving, and the prospects for converting mainstream private drivers and firms. This leads to a discussion of some important challenges that suggest the need for further research to help decision-makers improve the effectiveness of interventions, especially at the user interface: locating and designing EV infrastructure, supporting longer distance electric driving and informing current and potential EV users.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Bakker, S. (2013). Standardization of EV recharging infrastructures, E-Mobility NSR, Report. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/3.2_E-MobilityNSR_International_stakeholder_analysis.pdf.
Bunce, L., Harris, M., & Burgess, M. (2014). Charge up then charge out? Drivers’ perceptions and experiences of electric vehicles in the UK. Transportation Research Part A, 59, 278–287.
Burgess, M., King, N., Harris, M., & Lewis, E. (2013). Electric vehicle drivers’ reported interactions with the public: Driving stereotype change? Transportation Research Part F, 17, 33–44.
Burgess, M., Mansbridge, S., Harris, M., Carroll, S., & Walsh, C. (submitted). Initial mind-set and challenging experiences influence drivers’ adaptation to their electric vehicle. Transportation Research Part A.
Carroll, S. (2010). The smart move trial: Description and initial results. London: Technology Strategy Board.
Carroll, S., Walsh, C., Burgess, M., Harris, M., Mansbridge, S., King, N., & Bunce, L. (2013). Assessing the viability of EVs in daily life. Doc TSB ULCVD-12-036 v1.0. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.innovateuk.org/ulcv-demonstrator-report.
Chéron, E., & Zins, M. (1997). Electric vehicle purchasing intentions: The concern over battery charge duration. Transportation Research A, 31, 235–243.
Dix, M. (2013). Ultra low emission zone, TfL stakeholder event slides, 14th November. Retrieved March 06, 2014, from http://cleanairinlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/CAL-264-TfL-FINAL-ULEZ-Stakeholder-event-MD-slides-STATIC-141113.pdf.
Everett, A., Burgess, M., Harris, M., Mansbridge, S., Lewis, E., King, N., et al. (2011). Initial findings from the ultra low carbon vehicle demonstrator program. How quickly did users adapt?. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.innovateuk.org/_assets/pdf/press-releases/ulcv_reportaug11.pdf.
Franke, T., & Krems, J. F. (2013). What drives range preferences in electric vehicle users? Transport Policy, 30, 56–62.
Franke, T., Neumann, I., Bühler, F., Cocron, P., & Krems, J. F. (2012). Experiencing range in an electric vehicle: understanding psychological barriers. Applied Psychology, 61(3), 368–391.
FDT, TU Delft, ZERO, LSP. (2013). Comparative analysis of European examples of schemes for freight electric vehicles—compilation report. NSR E-mobility project report. http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/E-Mobility_-_Final_report_7.3.pdf.
Gibbs, N. (2014). London Mayor’s office urging government to increase tax on Diesels, In The Daily Telegraph, Motoring section, Saturday 24th May.
Graham-Rowe, E., Gardner, B., Abraham, C., Skippon, S., Dittmar, H., Hutchins, R., et al. (2012). Mainstream consumers driving plug-in battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars: A qualitative analysis of responses and evaluations. Transportation Research Part A, 46, 140–153.
Greater London Authority. (2007). Climate change action plan, London: GLA.
Greater London Authority. (2010). Mayor’s transport strategy. London: GLA. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/MTS_Executive_Summary.pdf.
Greater London Authority. (2011). The Mayor’s London Plan. London: GLA. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/shaping-london/london-plan/.
Greater London Authority. (2013). Mayor announces air quality game changer, London: GLA, 13 February. Retrieved March 06, 2014, from https://www.london.gov.uk/media/mayor-press-releases/2013/02/mayor-of-london-announces-game-changer-for-air-quality-in-the.
Hanley, C., & Colin Buchanan, S. K. M. (2011). How local authorities can encourage the take-up of lower-carbon vehicles. London: RAC Foundation.
Hickman, R., & Banister, D. (2014). Transport, climate change and the city. Abingdon: Routledge. Esp. chap. 3: Ambitions towards sustainable mobility (London).
Hodson, M. (2013). Low carbon nation? Abingdon: Routledge.
Hoeje-Taastrup Commune. (2013). Mapping of public and private E-Mobility awareness needs. E-Mobility NSR, report. Copenhagen capital region. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/E-Mobility_NSR_Activity_6.6_Report.pdf.
House of Commons, Transport Committee. (2012). Transport committee-fourth report plug-in vehicles, plugged in policy. 12th September. London. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmtran/239/23902.htm.
Hutchins, R., Delmonte, E., Stannard, J., Evans, L., & Bushell, S. (2013). PPR668: Assessing the role of the plugged-in car grant and plugged-in places scheme in electric vehicle take-up. London: DfT, Transport Research Laboratory. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/236748/research-report.pdf.
Hydrogen Transport for European Cities Project. (2012). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://hy-tec.eu/2012/10/hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-taxis-drive-olympic-vips-2500-miles/.
HyTEC. (2012). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://hy-tec.eu/2012/10/hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-taxis-drive-olympic-vips-2500-miles/.
Kotter, R., & Shaw, S. (2013). Micro to macro investigation. E-Mobility NSR. Report. Newcastle upon Tyne/London. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/E-mobility_3.6._Main_Report_April_2013.pdf.
Lane, B. (2011). Market delivery of ultra-low carbon vehicles in the UK: An evidence review for the RAC foundation. Cambridge: Ecolane Transport Consultancy. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://design.open.ac.uk/documents/Market_delivery_of_ULCVs_in_the_UK-Ecolane.pdf.
Lilley, S., Kotter, R., & Evatt, N. (2013). A review of electric vehicle charge point map websites in the NSR region. E-Mobility NSR project report. Newcastle upon Tyne/London. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/Review_of_NSR_charge_point_maps_interim_report_June_2013_final.pdf.
LSE Cities, ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability and Global Green Growth Institute. (2013). Going Green: How cities are leading the next economy. London: The London School of Economics and Political Science. Retrieved June 03, 2014, from http://www.lse.ac.uk/businessAndConsultancy/LSEConsulting/pdf/LSECities-Green.pdf.
Mayor of London. (2009a). An electric vehicle delivery plan for London. London: GLA. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/archive/mayor/publications/2009/docs/electric-vehicles-plan.pdf.
Mayor of London. (2009b). Electric vehicle infrastructure strategy: turning London electric: London’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. London: GLA. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from https://www.sourcelondon.net/sites/default/files/draft%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Infrastructure%20Strategy.pdf.
Mayor of London. (2010a). Clearing the air. The Mayor’s air quality strategy. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/mayors-air-quality-strategy.
Mayor of London. (2010b). London climate change mitigation and energy strategy. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/CCMES_public_consultation_draft_Oct%202010.pdf.
Mayor of London. (2010c). London secures £17 million funding for UK’s largest electric vehicle charge point network. Press release. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.london.gov.uk/media/press_releases_mayoral/london-secures-%C2%A317-million-funding-uk%E2%80%99s-largest-electric-vehicle-charge.
Office for Low Emission Vehicles. (2011). Making the connection: The plug-in vehicle infrastructure strategy. London: OLEV. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/making-the-connection-the-plug-in-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy/plug-in-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy.pdf.
Office for Low Emission Vehicles. (2013). Driving the future today: A strategy for ultra low emission vehicles in the UK. London: OLEV. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239317/ultra-low-emission-vehicle-strategy.pdf.
Office for National Statistics. (2012). Census result shows increase in population of London as it tops 8 million. London: ONS. Retrieved June 03, 2014, from http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/mro/news-release/census-result-shows-increase-in-population-of-london-as-it-tops-8-million/censuslondonnr0712.html.
Rexel, C. (2013). Cited in next Greencar. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.nextgreencar.com/news/6335/40-UK-drivers-would-consider-buying-EV.
Schuitema, G., Anable, J., Skippon, S., & Kinnear, N. (2013). The role of instrumental, hedonic and symbolic attributes in the intention to adopt electric vehicles. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 48, 39–49.
Shaw, S., & Evatt, N. (2013) Methodologies for mutual learning. Supplementary Paper to Main Report: Micro to Macro Investigation. E-Mobility NSR project report. London. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://e-mobility-nsr.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/info-pool/Emobility_3.6._Supplementary_Paper_to_Main_Report_April_2013.pdf.
Source London. (2014). Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://www.sourcelondon.net.
Switch, E. V. (2013). Switch EV final report. Newcastle University. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://vehicletrial.switchev.co.uk/the-project.aspx.
Turrentine, T., Garas, D., Lentz, A., & Woodjack, J. (2011). The UC Davis MINI E consumer study. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RR-11-05. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://pubs.its.ucdavis.edu/publication_detail.php?id=1470.
Vidal, J. (2013) ‘UK air pollution: why are we only now waking up to this public health crisis?’ in The Guardian Tuesday 19th. March. Retrieved June 03, 2014, from http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/mar/19/uk-air-pollution-health-crisis.
Vilimek, R., Keinath, A., & Schwalm, M. (2012). The MINI E field study—similarities and differences in international everyday EV driving. In N. A. Stanton (Ed.), Advances in human aspects of road and rail transport (pp. 363–372). Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Shaw, S., Bunce, L. (2015). Electrifying London: Connecting with Mainstream Markets. In: Leal Filho, W., Kotter, R. (eds) E-Mobility in Europe. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13194-8_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13194-8_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-13193-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-13194-8
eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)