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New scheme boosts NE electric transport

An £11 million scheme has been announced to make it easier for future drivers of electric veheicles in the North East to charge their cars.

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) plan will enable motorists in the region to use plug-in electric vehicles and charge them across the UK and eventually in their own homes.

The ETI’s plug-in vehicle plan will initially start in nine cities, including Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle, and will support the introduction of a single national network which will allow plug-in vehicles to be recharged anywhere.

ETI chief executive David Clarke said: “We are supporting a UK collaboration to evaluate and accelerate the market for plug-in vehicles.

“Enabling plug-in vehicles to compete effectively in a market alongside petrol and diesel vehicles with their extensive infrastructure is a challenge.

“These plug-in vehicles are currently unknown to most consumers, who will want to know if they will be versatile, will they be affordable and will they be as easy to refuel/recharge?

“Through our plan we will help to enhance the versatility and ease of recharging. Other aspects of the ETI project will determine what it will take to reach a self sustaining mass market.”

Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, said: “This announcement by the Energy Technologies Institute is very welcome and is further recognition of the region’s leading role in the development of low carbon vehicles.

“A number of important projects in this sector are now coming together in North East England, which is now to be embedded within the national network of cities. This will only help in accelerating the switch to clean transport, which in turn will help generate new investment and jobs within the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .