NISSAN has opened its first fast-charge points at strategic locations on Ecotricity’s ‘Electric Highway’ motorway charging network.
It means electric cars will be able to recharge between London and Birmingham from empty to 80 per cent full in approximately half an hour.
The easy-to-use chargers are situated in designated parking bays at Welcome Break motorway services in South Mimms (M25/A1), Oxford (M40) and Hopwood Park (M42).
And at a time when petrol prices are spiralling upwards, the charging won’t just be convenient – it will be free too!
Unlike fuelling a conventional car, EVs can be left unattended while charging. This means drivers can relax, grab some food or answer a call of nature while their EV ‘refuels’.
Nissan Managing Director Jim Wright said: ‘Many drivers would love to experience the convenience and cost saving benefits of a 100 per cent electric vehicle such as the Nissan LEAF. But some still worry about the occasional journey which may be beyond the 109-mile range.
‘By introducing fast charging infrastructure at strategic motorway service stations, Nissan and Ecotricity are removing that worry and making EVs practical to a whole new selection of buyers.’
The 50KW DC fast-charge points on Ecotricity’s ‘Electric Highway’ will allow cars to recharge in approximately 30 minutes – depending on the make of car and how full the battery is on arrival.
Dale Vince, founder of Green Energy company Ecotricity said: ‘We believe this will prove to be a game-changing moment in making electric cars a practical choice for motorists – helping to reduce carbon emissions at a time when petrol prices are spiralling upwards.
‘We are teaming up with Nissan to install fast chargers at motorway service stations, all powered with 100 per cent renewable energy from Ecotricity.
Ground-breaking project
‘With charging times so vastly reduced, you’ll be able to drive an electric car from London to Birmingham and fill up the battery along the way, in a time not too dissimilar to filling up a petrol car.’
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: ‘I welcome this ground-breaking project which will be a huge boon to drivers of electric cars.
‘Electric vehicles are spearheading a low-carbon revolution in motoring and sales are gathering pace – the number of drivers benefiting from our Plug-In Car Grant this year is already well up on last year and we are barely out of September.
‘With more electric vehicles on the road, it is clearly important that there are facilities to recharge them.’
Electric car owners can register for a free swipe card simply by visiting Ecotricity’s website.
Ecotricity has no plans to charge motorists to use its network for the foreseeable future.