Cenex has been commissioned to deliver a project as part of the global C40 Cities and Uber partnership, aimed at improving access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for high-mileage drivers in London. This initiative will support the Greater London Authority (GLA) in designing, piloting, and scaling shared charging models for professional drivers and fleet operators. This initiative addresses one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: the need for convenient and affordable charging options.

The project will involve the design and evaluation of three pilot charging sites in London, engagement with key public and private stakeholders, and the development of best-practice guidance for the GLA, Uber, and C40 Cities. This guidance will help inform the long-term infrastructure strategy.

The C40 Cities and GLA-backed project is a  two year-long initiative running until the end of 2026, focused on establishing and supporting three pilot partnerships for shared charging in London. Cenex is currently seeking expressions of interest from fleets, depots, and technology providers to participate in these pilots, which will run for 12 months from early 2026.

While London has made significant progress in expanding public charging infrastructure, many high-mileage vehicle (HMV) drivers, such as those operating private hire vehicles, delivery fleets, and essential services, continue to face challenges in accessing suitable charging options.

Recent data from Uber indicates that access to charging has now surpassed vehicle cost as the primary barrier to EV adoption for drivers in both the UK and the US. For many drivers, public charging is often too expensive, distant, or unreliable to meet their daily operational needs.

There is a growing awareness that existing infrastructure could be utilised more effectively through smart, shared use. However, there is still a lack of practical models, trusted guidance, and real-world examples to support this approach.

In partnership with the GLA, C40 Cities and Uber, Cenex is

• Engaging stakeholders throughout London’s commercial transport ecosystem to identify opportunities for shared EV charging.
• Designing and implementing three pilot projects that showcase how chargepoint sharing can be effectively utilised by various
• Developing comprehensive guidance on the opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with shared charging, drawing from both global and local best practices.
• Supporting the broader adoption of shared charging solutions by informing strategy and policy development within the GLA and across C40 Cities’ international network.

This initiative builds on Cenex’s prior work in this sector, including the Innovate UK-funded Paua PINS project. It will integrate technical, behavioural, and operational insights to maximise impact.

This project will integrate technical, qualitative, and operational insights to maximise impact. As an independent, not-for-profit research and technology organisation, Cenex is a trusted advisor uniquely positioned to carry out this project. Our comprehensive approach is centred on two key areas: Archetype development and strategic mapping.

We have developed seven distinct archetypes for both hosts and chargepoint users, recognising that a “one-size-fits-all” approach won’t work. We use this understanding of operational needs to strategically match the right host and user archetypes, ensuring a practical and mutually beneficial pilot. This hands-on research method ensures the project gathers real-world, on-the-ground insights from drivers and operators, directly addressing the key behavioural and logistical challenges of shared charging.