The installation of ten new charging points in Gloucestershire will make buying an electric vehicle in the area an easier choice, a leading manufacturer has stated. The region has been criticised for the lack of infrastructure but this latest campaign will leave EV owners will little to complain about.
The new facilities include six fast charging points and four rapid points, most of which will be installed in Cheltenham. Fast points fully charge most EVs in three to four hours, with rapid points generating an 80% charge within 30 minutes.
Will it increase electric van sales?
Dale Bedwell, Brand Manager at Cheltenham and Gloucester Mitsubishi in Staverton, believes the improved infrastructure will encourage more people to use environmentally friendly vehicles like the all new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the UK’s first alternative fuelled 4x4 commercial. The new vehicle emits just 44g/km of CO2 and gives a combined fuel consumption figure of 148mpg.
“It’s great news that Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council are bringing in more charging points for people with electric cars”, remarked Dale.
“The Outlander PHEV has already been a hugely popular car for us and we see it as the future of motoring for us. The extra charging points will make it easier for people to drive vehicles that are better for the environment.”
Backing from local authorities
Although planning permission has yet to be granted, the local authorities are very positive about the scheme.
“This is another step in building up the infrastructure for the city and the town. We need to kick-start the whole thing to work and in the long-term we expect it to be self-funding”, announced Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, the cabinet member for transport at Gloucester County Council.
“It’s one of those things we should be doing because it’s all part of making Gloucester and Cheltenham places people want to visit.”
Locations and electric van options
The fast charging points are planned for Montpellier Street by the Rotunda and Regent Arcade car park in Cheltenham and the Westgate and Eastgate car parks in Gloucester. Two other locations are yet to be confirmed.
The rapid charge points are planned for Compass Holidays near Cheltenham Railway Station, The Wharf House in Over, Gloucester and the Chase Hotel in Brockworth. If you live in the Gloucestershire area and thinking about running an electric van, read the reviews for the best-selling electric vans, the Renault Kangoo ZE and the Nissan eNV200.
