There were 2,965 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in March 2024, up from 395 in 2019 – an increase of 650%, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter
The number of electric vehicles registered in Waltham Forest increased more than sixfold between 2019 and 2024.
There were 2,965 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in March 2024, up from 395 in 2019 – an increase of 650%.
The figures come from Waltham Forest Council’s new EV strategy for the coming five years, amid its aim for 80% of journeys in the borough by 2030 to be undertaken by walking, cycling or public transport.
The town hall says EVs “have the potential to offer great benefits to residents, businesses and visitors who need to use a vehicle in terms of health, the environment and reduced running costs over the lifetime of the vehicle”.
To complement the new fleet of electric cars, the council has so far installed 1,639 charging points across the borough. When it launched its first strategy in 2020, there were 488.
However, a recent study by low emission vehicle consultancy firm Cenex shows 2,686 public sockets are needed in Waltham Forest by 2030 to meet “anticipated levels of demand,” and the council says it will have to install an “extensive network” over the next four years.
Though the number of EV drivers is rapidly increasing, the council is planning to “encourage the uptake” of such cars through “initiatives and public engagement”.
The town hall will also look to install the majority of the charging stations within 200m of homes that do not have off-street parking by the end of the decade.
Though Waltham Forest councillors are proud of the borough’s eco credentials, residents have been critical of “greenwashing”.
A letter to the Waltham Forest Echo published last July spoke of a perceived mismatch between how the town hall presents itself and what living in the borough is actually like.
The author, a resident in Leytonstone, criticised a one-mile stretch by Wanstead Flats that is home to around 60 service garages.
“The constant emission of harmful gases and pollutants most likely has a detrimental impact on air quality. This directly contradicts Waltham Forest’s public-facing green agenda,” she said.
Waltham Forest has so far received £3.1million in external grants, with £1.6m put aside for the next two years.
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