LONDON BOROUGH OF HARROW EXPANDS ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING NETWORK
The London Borough of Harrow is set to significantly expand its electric vehicle infrastructure, rolling out 500 new on-street EV charge points in partnership with char.gy as part of a broader push to accelerate the shift to low-emission transport.
The initiative is aimed primarily at residents without driveways or access to off-street parking — a long-standing barrier to electric vehicle adoption in many urban areas. By installing charge points directly onto residential lamp columns, the council intends to make overnight and neighbourhood charging both accessible and convenient.
Of the 500 planned charge points, 225 have already been installed, with the remaining 275 scheduled for completion by 2 October 2028. The chargers are low-powered, designed for steady top-up charging while vehicles are parked overnight — a practical solution for commuters and families alike.
Cllr David Ashton, Cabinet Member for Finance and Highways, said: “We’re putting residents first by making it easier to charge electric vehicles where people actually live. More on-street charging means less time searching for a plug and more confidence for drivers every day. It’s a big step forward for residents who already drive electric and for anyone thinking about making the switch.”
All of the new charge points will operate on 100 per cent renewable electricity, aligning the scheme with Harrow’s wider climate strategy and carbon reduction targets. Clear pricing structures and reduced overnight tariffs aim to encourage cost-effective charging during off-peak hours.
John Lewis, Chief Executive of char.gy, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our network in Harrow with 500 new charge points. This expansion will make a real difference for everyday drivers: people who live without a driveway, those switching to electric for the first time, and anyone who wants reliable, affordable charging close to home. Providing local charging that people can depend on gives drivers confidence to switch to electric, and that’s what this rollout is all about. We look forward to working with the council, residents and local communities as these chargers go live.”
The expansion builds on Harrow’s existing EV charging infrastructure, which already includes more than 100 on-street chargers delivered through partnerships supported by government funding. Among these is the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), a national initiative designed to assist local authorities in deploying charge points in areas with limited private parking.
Urban councils across the UK face mounting pressure to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles as petrol and diesel phase-out targets approach. For outer London boroughs such as Harrow, the challenge lies in balancing infrastructure delivery with residential density and street design constraints.
By embedding charging capacity within existing street furniture, the council is seeking to minimise visual clutter while maximising accessibility. If successful, the model could serve as a template for other boroughs grappling with similar constraints.
As consumer uptake of electric vehicles continues to rise, the availability of reliable residential charging is increasingly seen as a decisive factor in purchasing decisions. Harrow’s latest rollout suggests that local authorities are beginning to close the infrastructure gap that has historically limited EV adoption among households without private parking.
