Government unveils EV infrastructure vision

Date: 1/7/2011

The government is preparing for what it predicts will be an electric vehicle (EV) "revolution" by unveiling its proposals for a recharging infrastructure to support this.

Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy was published yesterday (June 30th) and has been designed to facilitate the charging of cars at owners' homes and at night once the peak time for electricity demand has passed.

It also suggests installing such technology at workplaces to be used by fleets and commuters, along with some services for public use.

All of this will fall under the government's £400 million programme that aims to encourage more people to invest in ultra-low emission motors, such as EVs.

Announcing the proposals, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: "The ability to recharge is a key part of the jigsaw in supporting the growth of the EV market. It is crucial therefore that we make the process as simple as possible."

Elsewhere, a recent report by the European Environment Agency revealed that new cars on the continent were responsible for four per cent fewer carbon emissions in 2010 than the year before - the second biggest annual decline ever to be recorded.

Posted by Nick Anderson