Rahul Somvanshi
London’s electric vehicle infrastructure takes a major step forward as Fastned and Places for London secure approval for their first ultra-rapid charging hub at Hatton Cross station in Hillingdon.
The Nuts and Bolts
The new facility will feature 12 ultra-rapid charging bays, each delivering 400kW power—enough to add about 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes. All charging points will use 100% certified renewable energy, supporting London’s push toward cleaner transportation.
“We’re delighted that in just a little over three months since forming our partnership we have secured our first planning consent for this ultra-rapid EV charging hub,” said Emma Hatch, Head of Development at Places for London. “We now look forward to drivers getting to charge up with ease at the hub by early 2026.”
The hub, approved by the London Borough of Hillingdon, represents the first of five planned locations in the Fastned/Places for London joint venture. Additional sites are slated for Hanger Lane (Ealing), Canning Town (Newham), Tottenham Hale (Haringey), and Hillingdon Circus.
Meeting Growing Demand
London currently leads the UK in EV adoption with approximately 193,000 plug-in electric cars and vans registered. Projections show this number could reach 1-1.4 million by 2030—potentially making up 49% of London’s car and van fleet.
“This is another big step forward for London’s EV charging network,” said Tom Hurst, Fastned UK Country Director. “The swift planning decision by London Borough of Hillingdon shows real commitment to the EV transition for the borough.”
To meet future demand, London may need between 40,000-60,000 chargers by 2030, including up to 4,000 rapid chargers. The city currently hosts 21,600 charge points—about a third of all UK charging infrastructure.
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User-Focused Design
The charging stations will feature Fastned’s distinctive yellow solar canopies with CCTV coverage for safety. All bays will be extra wide, with two fully accessible bays meeting the latest British Standards Institution guidelines.
Additional amenities include:
- 24/7 customer support via app and phone in multiple languages
- On-site toilet facilities
- Full weather protection under the canopies
Community Benefits
The partnership aims to deliver value beyond charging services. A portion of revenue from each hub will fund community projects, while construction will provide work experience opportunities for London school students.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, emphasized the broader impact: “Rapid charging hubs like this are particularly vital for key workers across the capital to get where they need to be fast.”
Investment and Future Plans
Fastned plans to commit at least £30 million to the joint venture, including its share of £16 million for the first five sites. Long-term plans could expand to 65 hubs as market demand grows, with 20 additional sites targeted by 2030.
Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities Campaign, noted: “These charging hubs, when priced affordably, will ease pressure on councils by giving EV owners access to ultra-fast and ultra-modern points without needing to pile them all on local streets.”
The project aligns with Mayor Sadiq Khan’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, providing critical infrastructure to support London’s transition to electric mobility.
