Chargemaster launches POLAR EV charging network

Date: 17/10/2011

Chargemaster has begun the implementation of its new network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in Britain.

Its POLAR network will consist of 4,000 recharging points across British towns and cities by the end of next year.

The scheme, which represents the UK's first national electric vehicle charging network, has been welcomed by manufacturers and government ministers.

Chargemaster will operate 40 publically-available charging bays in 100 towns and cities up and down the country. The network will complement the government-supported Plugged in Places programme, which has seen public funding provided for the establishment of charging points in eight locations.

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster, commented at the launch of the network this month: "Chargemaster is proud to be at the forefront of the sector, and with 4,000 charging bays across the UK by the end of 2012, we are striving to make low-carbon motoring a viable choice for British motorists."

TRL's Iwan Parry, programme manager for LCVs, commented: "The lack of a national charging point network for electric vehicles is often cited by detractors as a key issue facing widespread adoption, so the introduction of the POLAR network is likely to offer consumer and industry considerable support.

"Keeping pace with electric vehicle technology and user expectations of charging options may present challenges in the future, but assuming that networks can be upgraded quickly and cost effectively to meet user demands, the POLAR network, and perhaps others like it, will be key to the successful integration of electric vehicles into the transport mix."