EDF Energy has joined forces with Elektromotive, the award-winning manufacturer of recharging bays for EVs. The partnership is committed to providing 250 Elektrobay recharging systems to local councils throughout the UK by the end of March 2008.

The aim of the scheme is to make EVs more user-friendly and help people reduce the impact their driving has on the environment. Councils who have already committed to installing the charging posts include Sheffield Borough Council, Islington Borough Council, Camden Council and Lambeth Council.

According to Peter Thorn, Head of Innovation and Partnerships at EDF Energy: "As concern for the environment grows, motorists are no longer only interested in what their car looks like, or how fast it can go. [Our] research shows that drivers are increasingly demanding transport options that don’t have such a detrimental effect on the world we live in.

EDF Energy recognises the role EV’s can play in helping reduce the 85 million tonnes of CO2 our motor vehicles emit each year, which is why we’ve joined forces with Elektromotive to call on local councils to help make these vehicles a more viable alternative for motorists in the UK."

With 75% of motorists polled by EDF saying they would like their local council to help them reduce their car’s CO2 emissions, EDF Energy’s funding initiative is just one way councillors can respond to the needs of their residents.

Motoring expert and campaign ambassador, Vicki Butler Henderson commented that: "It's surprising how little people know still about reducing their motoring carbon footprint. There are many ways in which to do this, including running an electric car. The variety of electric vehicles is ever growing and they produce just a fraction of CO2 emissions of the majority of motors on our roads. If more motorists were more willing to make the switch, we'd see Elektrobay recharging units springing up throughout the country."

According to founding director of Elektromotive, Calvey Taylor-Haw: "Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are without doubt the way forward. With suitable battery technology now available, EV's will have a greater range, delivering a truly viable alternative to fossil fuelled cars. They are not only cheap to run but are quiet, clean and fun. With a tangible re-fuelling infrastructure for electric cars in place, motorists will feel more confident and comfortable in moving across to greener driving and reducing their CO2 emissions".

For more information about Elektrobay recharging posts and how councils can apply for an Elektrobay recharging system to be installed in their area, visit Elektromotive and EDF Energy.

As they are installed, the locations of these 250 recharging points will be added to newride's map of recharging points.

Source: EDF