Croydon drivers face a tenfold EV charging test

By the GlobeBids editorial team

Croydon could need just over ten times as many public electric vehicle charging points by 2035 as it had in July 2026. Croydon Council recorded at least 439 public points in the borough, while its forecast puts future demand at around 4,500.

That comparison points to the scale of the infrastructure challenge, but it is not a confirmed installation target or timetable. The council has begun developing its strategy by agreeing to launch a public consultation, with residents who cannot charge on a private driveway forming a central part of the plan.

Forecast points to a network more than ten times larger

The projected increase reflects expected growth in electric vehicle use. If the forecast becomes the working target, Croydon would require more than 4,000 additional charging points compared with the current minimum count, assuming the existing network remained unchanged.

The figures do not show how evenly the existing points are distributed across Croydon, how frequently they are available or what motorists pay at each location. Those gaps matter because the strategy is intended to address access as well as the overall number of chargers.

Driveway-free households face a charging cost divide

Almost half of Croydon households do not have a private driveway, according to the council. These residents cannot routinely connect a vehicle to a domestic charger and benefit from cheaper off-peak home electricity tariffs.

They must instead depend more heavily on public infrastructure, making charger location, availability and pricing practical household concerns. Croydon Council says it particularly wants to hear about residents’ experiences of affordability and access before the strategy is finalised.

One option under consideration is a cross-pavement connection that would let a resident safely run a charging cable from their home to a vehicle parked beyond the pavement. The council has received £193,000 to pilot these solutions and consider a wider rollout, but the funding does not itself confirm where or when installations will become available.

Residents and businesses will shape the final strategy

Cabinet members agreed earlier in 2026 to launch a consultation involving residents, businesses, community groups and electric vehicle industry partners. Responses are expected to influence both the final strategy and its delivery.

The council notice does not give an opening date, closing deadline or response method for the consultation. Those details will determine when residents can formally contribute, while the topics already identified include public charging costs, access for homes without off-street parking and the wider needs of motorists and businesses.

Executive Mayor Jason Perry said Croydon must plan ahead as vehicle technology develops and demand for electric cars grows. He said the aim is to expand the network while ensuring that the technology works for residents across the borough, including those without off-street parking.

Funding is secured, while prices and operators remain open

Croydon has been awarded approximately £950,000 in Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure capital funding from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. That funding is available up to 2028 and is intended to support new charging points.

The strategy could also help the council seek further investment beyond the money already awarded. Supporting cleaner transport forms part of Perry’s stated commitment to making Croydon safer and healthier, with lower local carbon emissions identified as one intended benefit.

Several decisions remain for the delivery phase. The consultation outcome will help shape who manages the charging points, how motorists are allowed to use them and what prices they will pay.

Source: Croydon Council