Electric vehicles

We’re committed to increasing active and sustainable travel to help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Transport accounts for a significant proportion of emissions in the borough, and decarbonising this sector is crucial if the borough is to reach net zero.

In the cases where a sustainable mode of transport is not an option we would like to see all motorised traffic transition to low emission vehicles or electric vehicles (EVs).

Our plans for EV charging in Hackney

We plan to install over 2,500 public EV charge points by 2026. We hope this will encourage more people to adopt less polluting electric vehicles.

All the EV charge points will use 100% renewable energy. Hackney residents can access a discounted rate through Hackney Light and Power. See Operating EV charge points – EV charge point discounted HLP charging tariff.

Most EV charge points will meet the needs of local residents for slow, overnight charging of electric vehicles. We will also install fast and rapid EV charge points for on the move charging needs. All housing estates in the borough will have at least one EV charge point, with a minimum of 10% of all new EV charge points placed on estates.

We will place the EV charge points on existing lampposts or in the carriageway in parking bays to keep pavements accessible to pedestrians.

We’re aware that EV technology is changing, raising concerns about outdated charging infrastructure as both vehicles and charging solutions continue to develop. The delivery of the EV charge point infrastructure is fully funded by private investment, at no cost to us or taxpayers. A share of the revenue generated will return to us to support further sustainable transport initiatives.

EV charge points in Hackney

This map shows current public EV charge points in Hackney. It also shows possible new locations and the type of EV charge point:

  • Active: we’ve installed the EV charge point and it’s ready for use
  • Potential: the EV charge point needs more checks and may not proceed to consultation unless it meets certain requirements

Each map point shows an existing or potential EV charge point location. Click on a map point to see details about the number of charging sockets and EV charging-only parking bays available at that location.

Operating EV charge points

Engagement with residents

We will consult on the proposals for EV charge points and consider the voices of residents and key stakeholders in the decision making process.

We have asked residents to tell us where they would like to see EV charge points installed via the online form. We have analysed these requests and the network map is the response to this.

If you would like to register your interest in having an EV charge point, fill in our online form:

Register your interest in having an electric vehicle (EV) charge point

EV charging bays

We have dedicated EV bays for all fast and rapid charge points. This helps prevent non-electric vehicles blocking access to the public EV charge points.

Electric vehicles must not block access to an EV charge point. They need to be plugged into the EV charge point and actively charging while parked. This prevents them from occupying an EV charging bay for too long, ensuring access for other electric vehicle drivers.

It is not the case that every EV charge point will have a dedicated EV charging only bay.

If you would like to request signs and lines for a dedicated EV bay to protect existing EV charge points, fill in our request an electric vehicle only bay form to propose a location for a dedicated EV bay.

Request an electric vehicle only bay

EV permits

All EV drivers need a permit to park in the controlled parking zone area where the EV charge point is located. To see the cost of a permit for a vehicle with no local emissions, visit Parking permit charges from 1 August 2023.

This is heavily subsidised compared to vehicles that emit CO2.

Home charging in Hackney

If you have access to off street parking you could consider installing a home EV charge point. A qualified electrician must carry out the connection of your home EV charge point to your electricity supply.

The government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The EV charge point grant provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing EV smart charge points at domestic properties across the UK.

We know that most households in Hackney do not have off street parking and that a home EV charge point is not an option as it is not permitted to run cables from a home EV charge point across the pavement to a parked vehicle.

This is why we are planning to work with electric vehicle charging companies to install over 1500 slow EV charge points to provide convenient access to overnight EV charging on residential streets in Hackney.

Traffic restrictions for EVs

Electric vehicles are not exempt from traffic restrictions. Blue badge holders and companion badge holders can apply for an exemption to some Low Traffic Neighbourhood restrictions, for more information see Blue badges.

Contact us

You can contact Streetscene on 020 8356 2897 or email EVTeam@hackney.gov.uk.

Page updated on: 29 February 2024