London’s first on-street rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points, which can fully charge a vehicle in less than 30 minutes have launched in Hackney.

There are three public 50kw devices located in Hackney’s main town centres: Bentley Road in Dalston; Calvert Avenue in Shoreditch; and Reading Lane in Hackney Central.

Vehicles are said to charge more quickly with the new Evolt Tri-Rapid chargers than when a standard EV unit is used, which could take up to four hours.

The council hopes the network will also help support the expansion of electric car clubs and floating car-sharing schemes.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of London’s first on-street rapid charging network which shows that Hackney is once again at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in London.

“The Council is committed to improving air quality in the borough, including supporting the development of electric vehicles both locally and across London.

“We hope this network will make charging more accessible, efficient and practical, in particular enabling electric taxis and private hire vehicles, as well as other commercial vehicles such as those used by courier companies, to recharge during the working day.”

The initial registration fee for the rapid charger is £20.

After the first year, there is an annual administration fee of £20 which will be automatically deducted from users’ accounts each year on the anniversary of their joining date.

The chargers are supplied by APT Controls Ltd with AC and DC cables to cater for all electric vehicles on the market that are compatible with rapid charging.

Justin Meyer, General Manager for APT, said: “Our rapid chargers help local authorities to place green energy solutions at the forefront of their sustainability agendas.

“They are easy to install, easy to use, and will encourage a wider take-up of electric vehicles by ensuring a rapid recharge is publicly available.”