Firms offered chance to install "quick" electric vehicle charging points (From The Northern Echo)

Firms offered chance to install "quick" electric vehicle charging points

5:07pm Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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ORGANISATIONS based near to major roads are being encouraged to play a leading role in the North-East's electric vehicle revolution.

Regional Development Agency One North East is looking for locations to site 12 quick chargers, which can recharge cars like the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEV to up to 80per cent of their capacity in 20 to 30 minutes.

Any business or organisation located on or near the major roads in the North East are being invited to put themselves forward.

Dr Colin Herron, Manufacturing and Productivity Manager at One North East, said: "These 12 sites will have the potential to attract significant numbers of drivers, who will be captive audience for a 20-minute period while they are charging up."

Because of the high up-front costs for the charge points, One North East will finance their installation, but the organisations themselves will be expected to provide a parking space and fund the ongoing maintenance and electricity costs.