EV charging infrastructure provider, Chargemaster plc, today announced that it will launch the UK’s first privately funded nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging network in September 2011. By the end of 2012 the scheme, named POLAR, will be in around 100 towns and cities across the UK, with approximately 40 points in each area, providing a total of 4,000 charging bays.
The scheme will launch in more than half of the target areas within the next nine months. Chargemaster is working with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to ensure its network complements the government-supported Plugged-In Places charging areas.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond commented, “Today’s announcement by Chargemaster is exactly the kind of private sector led initiative that we need to drive the development of our national network of recharging infrastructure.”
“Chargemaster’s commitment to provide 4,000 privately-funded charging points across the UK is a significant development in the ongoing evolution of our ultra-low carbon infrastructure,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Combined with the 9,000 points to be delivered under government’s Plugged-In Places scheme, it sends a strong message to motorists about the strength of the emerging electric vehicle market.”
The technology used in POLAR has been developed and manufactured by Chargemaster in the UK and is designed to cater for the very latest in EV charging technology. Every location will enable cars to use the latest Type 2 connectors providing a 7kW fast charge. All units are three phase 21kW ready, which will enable users to charge some future models in about one hour.
For more about POLAR, go to http://www.chargemasterplc.com/
SMMT has published the Electric Car Guide to help motorists make more informed decisions when purchasing an EV. Presented in an easy to understand Q&A-style format, the free publication addresses some of the common queries relating to electric vehicles including information about batteries, charging, vehicle performance, on-the-road costs, government incentives and safety.
Click through to download the SMMT Electric Car Guide.
