Charging ahead in electric motor revolution
Jul 31 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
SUPER-fast charging points are to be placed in the North East in a bid to convince motorists to buy electric vehicles.
Development agency One North East is looking for the best locations for 12 quick charging points, which can recharge electric cars in 20 to 30 minutes.
The charging points are part of a plan to install 1,300 regular charging points by 2013 as the region gears up for electric car production set to start at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
They come as drivers are being urged to start placing their orders for Nissan’s new Leaf cars, which will be produced at Nissan’s Washington plant from 2013.
From September 1, motorists in the UK can guarantee laying their hands on a Leaf, which will cost £23,990 including the battery after government incentives. The car will be on sale nationally from March.
Those making a reservation will also be given an opportunity to test-drive the Leaf by December, at which point they will need to formally confirm their order for the vehicle.
The new charging points being planned by One North East can recharge cars such as the Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV to up to 80% of their capacity in 20-30 minutes, compared to eight hours for a full charge using a 3kw charge point or four hours using a 7kw charge point.
Agency staff are in talks with businesses in a search for suitable sites, but are eager to hear more suggestions.
Roadside services are among the most likely locations, but any business or organisation located on or near the major trunk roads and spine roads in the North East are being invited to put themselves forward.
One North East will pay for the installation but businesses must fund ongoing costs.
Dr Colin Herron, manufacturing and productivity manager at One North East, said: “The forward-thinking business community and partner organisations in the North East have put our region in an extremely strong position to roll out this infrastructure.
“We are now offering the opportunity to be one of the first locations in Europe for quick chargers which represent a real opportunity for businesses.
“As electric vehicles become more popular, these 12 sites will have the potential to attract significant numbers of drivers, who will be captive audience for 20 minutes while they are charging up.”
Anyone interested in hosting a fast charger or accessing the match-funding for charging points should contact John Lowes or Josey Wardle on the One North East Plugged-In Places team on 0191 229 6497 or 0191 229 6693.
