The British government has launched a GBP30m (USD50.1m) initiative that could see thousands of electric vehicle charging points on streets and car parks.
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Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has invited cities and businesses to join together to bid for the money which will help fund the installation of charging points on streets, car parks and in commercial, retail and leisure facilities.
The initiative – called Plugged-In Places – will support the development of between three and six electric car cities and regions across the UK which will act as pioneers for electric car technology. The experiences of these locations will inform the future development of a national charging infrastructure.
Overall, the Government is investing around GBP400m (USD670m) to encourage the development, manufacture and use of next generation ultra-low carbon vehicles. Delivered by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles this support is being targeted to create new jobs in a low carbon automotive sector and to cut carbon from UK road transport.
Adonis said: “The UK can be a world leader in electric and low carbon cars which is why the Government has already committed around £400 million of support to encourage development and uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles.
“Our aim is for electric and low carbon cars to be an everyday feature of life on UK’s roads in less than five years. There is still a lot of work to be done, however Plugged-In Places is one very significant step putting us firmly on the path to a low carbon future.”
The total number and location of charging infrastructure supported by the initiative will depend on local plans and requirements. The intention is that successful applicants will match the Government’s investment.
