ORGANISATIONS based near to major roads are being encouraged to play a leading role in the electric vehicle revolution and bring in new business for themselves at the same time.

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 80 per cent of their capacity in 20 to 30 minutes.

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

The advanced charging points will be a major element in combating so-called range anxiety in drivers using electric vehicles, providing reassurance that journeys beyond a full battery charge are possible. Dr Colin Herron, manufacturing and productivity manager at One North East, said: “As electric vehicles become more popular, these 12 sites will have the potential to attract significant numbers of drivers, who will be a captive audience for a 20-minute period while they are charging up.”

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

Anyone interested in hosting a fast-charger or accessing match-funding for standard charging points should call John Lowes or Josey Wardle, at the One North East Plugged-In Places team, on 0191-229-6497 or 0191-229-6693.