Ecotricity to install EV charging posts at motorway services

The company said in a statement that each charging post will be powered with energy made by its wind and solar parks across the UK.

Ecotricity added that the new electric car infrastructure removes so-called range anxiety — a phenomenon identified as a barrier for people wanting to buy electric cars and which currently restricts people to driving their EV within their own city.

The first ‘top-up zone’ will be installed at Welcome Break’s South Mimms services (at the M1-M25 junction) in July, and the first phase of the network spread across 12 motorway services will be completed by September.

Each post will be located outside the main entrance, with two sockets that can be accessed by registering for a free swipe card.

Within 18 months, all 27 Welcome Break motorway services will have charging points.

Ecotricity said electric cars can top up in 20 minutes using rapid recharge points (32A supply) or fully charge in two hours, while those using the slower recharge points (13A supply) will be able to recharge fully if staying overnight at motorway service hotels.

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, said: ‘This marks the beginning of the end for the old combustion engine. With world oil prices going through the roof, you’ll now be able to get around Britain using only the power of the wind.’

Click here to register for a free swipe card.