Government urges UK business to join electric car revolution

The money is being invested as part of a new ‘Plugged-In Places’ initiative – and British companies are being encouraged to get behind the scheme. Overall, the Government is investing around £400 million to encourage the development, manufacture and use of ultra-low carbon vehicles. Plugged-In Places will support the development of up to six British ‘electric car cities’ that will act as trailblazers for the new technology. The Government has invited UK businesses to partner cities in bids for the money that will help fund the installation of electric charging points on streets, car parks and in commercial, retail and leisure facilities. The intention is that successful applicants will match the Government's investment.

These ambitious plans, which the Government hopes will create new jobs in the low carbon automotive sector and charging infrastructure as well as reducing carbon from UK road transport, build on existing measures to support alternative fuels.

“The move to lower carbon forms of transport is a turning point for the automotive industry, opening up new opportunities for existing UK automotive companies and with the potential to create new jobs and new industries. I urge British companies to get involved and seize these new opportunities for growth and jobs,” said Business Minister Pat McFadden.

The new Government money backs a bold statement of intent for the UK to lead the supply and uptake of ‘next generation’ cars. “Our aim is for Britain to become a global centre for low carbon transport development, manufacturing and delivery – the Government is backing businesses who want to help make this happen,” said Mr McFadden.

The Government has also just announced the seven schemes that will benefit from £500,000 of funding through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Programme. These schemes, with business partners such as E.ON Engineering and car park company TfL, will see the provision of 72 electric charging points and four gas refueling stations in areas across England.

“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” according to Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis.

Earlier this month, Sainsbury's announced it had fitted electric car charging points at 11 of its stores in London.