Winning bids for £37m electric chargepoint scheme announced

Date: 1/8/2013

The government has announced the winning bids for the £37 million fund it made available in February, which is dedicated to the creation of further chargepoints around the UK for electric vehicles.

Business Minister Michael Fallon and Transport Minister Norman Baker revealed that the money will be given to dozens of local authorities, NHS Trusts and train operators.

The organisations are planning to add more chargepoints to their facilities and on town and city streets to enable drivers of electric cars to have improved access to power.

Mr Baker said the awarding of the first round of funding is "brilliant news" for those already driving electric vehicles in the UK, as well as giving those considering switching to a more environmentally-friendly way of getting from A to B, greater confidence to make the move.

"With new models coming to market every month from major motor vehicle manufacturers and running costs of two pence to three pence a mile, these vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for many consumers and businesses," he added.

The new funding will cover 75 per cent of the costs of installing new chargepoints in town and city centre, hospitals and train stations and the announcement follows hot on the heels of an additional £500 million being committed to the low emission vehicle market.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: "The automotive industry in the UK is a real success story. Four out of every five vehicles made here are exported and the sector supports many thousands of high-quality jobs across the country.

"We need to keep working with industry to maintain this momentum and secure its long-term success which is why we are supporting the transition to ultra low emission vehicles. As we set out in our automotive industrial strategy, there are huge opportunities for us from being a world-leader in these technologies."

The Ministers also encouraged bids for the second round of funding during the announcement, which will see even more chargepoints being made available to the UK public.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News