Fastned’s first UK Plugged In Café, brings London’s EV ecosystem together
Collaboration takes centre stage as policymakers, industry leaders and transport experts discuss the future of London’s charging infrastructure.
Fastned and Vereniging Elektrische Rijders (VER) welcomed policymakers, local authorities, charge point operators, fleet leaders and industry experts to the inaugural Plugged In Café in London earlier this month.
Inspired by Fastned and VER’s successful EV Café events in the Netherlands, the first UK edition brought together voices from across the public and private sectors to explore how stronger partnerships can accelerate London’s transition to electric mobility.
Hosted at The Conduit in Covent Garden, the event created a new forum for collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders from across the EV ecosystem to exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges and help shape the future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Designing an EV city around real-world charging needs
The event featured three expert panel discussions exploring the biggest opportunities and barriers shaping London’s rapidly evolving EV charging landscape.
The opening session examined how charging infrastructure must adapt to serve an increasingly diverse range of users. Moderated by Ellen Hiep (VER), the panel brought together Olly Craughan (DPD UK), Tanya Sinclair (Electric Vehicles UK) and Judith Hayton (Transport for London).
From private motorists and commercial fleets to taxis and last-mile delivery operators, the discussion highlighted the vastly different charging needs across the transport network. Panellists agreed that a diverse range of users can only be served by a diverse range of charging solutions, with no single approach able to meet every need.
As London electrifies, on-street charging and ultra-rapid charging hubs will play a vital role in supporting those without access to home charging, while enabling businesses and fleets to transition to electric. Understanding real-world behaviour and the operational needs of different users will be essential when planning the charging infrastructure of the future.
Building the charging ecosystem
Next, panellists examined the wider charging ecosystem, exploring the building blocks needed to support the EV transition.
Moderated by Fastned, this panel brought together Eleanor Clark (Transport for London), John Colgan (Places for London) and Zak Bond (Clean Cities) to explore what it will take to deliver charging infrastructure at scale.
The discussion concluded that building a future-ready charging network is about far more than installing charge points. Grid capacity, strategic land availability, investment, digital technology and strong public-private partnerships were all identified as essential ingredients in creating a reliable, accessible and resilient charging ecosystem.
Unlocking London’s charging future
Rounding off the afternoon before guests continued the conversation over drinks and nibbles, the final panel, “Policy, Planning and Permits - How do we unlock London’s charging future?”, brought together Tom Hurst (Fastned), Jarrod Birch (Charge UK) and Mark Fletcher (London Councils), with Ellen Hiep returning to moderate a lively discussion on the policy and planning changes needed to accelerate London’s EV charging rollout.
The conversation highlighted the critical role local authorities can play in removing barriers to deployment through clear electrification strategies, consistent planning decisions and stronger collaboration with industry partners.
Collaboration is key
A recurring theme throughout the afternoon was that London’s charging ecosystem must be designed around the needs of an increasingly diverse mix of users, from private drivers and commercial fleets to taxis and public transport providers.
Commercial fleets were recognised as a defining force in the evolution of new mobility, with speakers highlighting the importance of charging infrastructure that reflects the operational realities of businesses transitioning to electric.
While reducing unnecessary car movements and enabling home charging remain important levers for decarbonisation, the discussion reinforced that accessible public charging, including on-street charging and ultra-rapid charging hubs, will be essential to ensuring no driver or business is left behind.
Speakers also highlighted the need for more opportunities for national government, local authorities and the private sector to work together, sharing requirements, addressing challenges and finding solutions to deliver charging infrastructure more quickly and equitably.
Looking ahead
The inaugural Plugged In Café highlighted the value of bringing together experts from across government, transport and industry to share knowledge, address common challenges and identify practical solutions for the future of EV charging.
Fastned and VER would like to thank all speakers, moderators and attendees who contributed to the success of the event. Following the positive response, planning is already underway for the next Plugged In Café.
To find out more or register your interest in future events, please get in touch with Denise Cannas ([email protected]).