History

The development of Source London began with a strategic announcement in November 2010, marking one of the earliest large-scale deployments of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United Kingdom. The initiative was designed to address the "chicken and egg" dilemma of EV adoption: consumers were hesitant to buy electric cars without a reliable charging network, while investors were cautious about building infrastructure without a critical mass of vehicles.

Launch and Initial Deployment

The network was officially launched in May 2011. The launch was a significant moment for London's transport strategy, occurring during the tenure of Mayor Boris Johnson, who championed the initiative as a key component of the city's efforts to reduce congestion and air pollution. The initial phase focused on establishing a visible and accessible network across central and inner London boroughs.

The primary goal at the time of the May 2011 launch was to install 150 charging points. These initial units were strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including shopping districts, business parks, and residential streets, to maximize visibility and utility for early adopters. The infrastructure was operated by Total UK Limited, leveraging their existing fuel retail and logistics expertise to manage the network's operations and maintenance.

Expansion Targets

Following the initial rollout, the ambition for the network grew significantly. The expansion target was set at 1,300 charging points by 2013. This aggressive growth plan was intended to create a dense web of charging options, reducing range anxiety for drivers and encouraging broader adoption of electric vehicles across the Greater London area. The expansion involved both the addition of new locations and the upgrading of existing sites to accommodate multiple charging bays per point.

Date Event
November 2010 Initial announcement of the Source London network
May 2011 Official launch by Mayor Boris Johnson
2011 Initial goal of 150 charging points targeted
2013 Expansion target of 1,300 charging points

The rapid deployment of Source London established a precedent for public-private partnerships in urban energy infrastructure. By focusing on a mixed-fuel approach and utilizing the established brand recognition of Total, the network aimed to provide a seamless transition for drivers moving from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. The success of the initial 150-point rollout provided the data and confidence needed to pursue the more ambitious 1,300-point target, laying the groundwork for London's status as a global leader in EV infrastructure.

Funding and Corporate Structure

Source London was established as a public-private partnership designed to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure across the capital. The initiative was spearheaded by Transport for London (TfL), which formed a consortium to manage the network's initial rollout and operational framework. This collaborative model was critical in aligning municipal transport goals with private sector investment and technical expertise.

The technical backbone of the network relied on IT infrastructure provided by Siemens. This partnership ensured that the charging points were integrated into a cohesive digital ecosystem, allowing for real-time monitoring and user accessibility features essential for a city-wide network. The selection of Siemens highlighted the importance of robust data management in early EV infrastructure planning.

Financial support for the project was drawn from multiple stakeholders. Scottish and Southern Energy contributed to the funding structure, leveraging its existing energy distribution assets in the region. National Car Parks also played a significant role, providing both capital and strategic location access for charging point installation. Additionally, the Department for Transport provided £9.3 million in funding, underscoring the national government's commitment to reducing urban emissions through electrified transport.

Management of the network underwent a significant transition in 2014. Control shifted from Transport for London to Bolloré's subsidiary, IER (Infrastructure for Electric Road). This move marked a strategic pivot towards specialized EV infrastructure management, utilizing Bolloré's broader European experience in electric mobility solutions. The change in operator was intended to streamline operations and accelerate expansion.

Further corporate restructuring occurred in 2021, when Total UK Limited became the majority shareholder of Source London. This acquisition aligned with Total's broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio beyond traditional oil and gas, positioning the company as a key player in the London EV charging market. The shift to Total UK Limited as the primary operator reflects the evolving landscape of energy infrastructure ownership in the capital.

See also