'PLUGGED-IN PLACES' SCHEME IS FLOURISHING
The ‘Plugged-in Places’ scheme has been launched to provide the growing electric community of EV drivers with an infrastructure that makes getting around easier and provides further incentives to go electric. The infrastructure, which is funded by the Government, has plans to roll out over 15,000 charge points across the UK: • First wave: 9,000 in London, the North East, and Milton Keynes by March 2013 • Second wave: 4,000 across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Manchester, the Midlands and the East of England As the EV lifestyle is still in its infancy, this scheme offers a range of benefits to EV owners and drivers, to make the decision to go electric that little bit easier. EV drivers can already benefit from free parking, free charging and congestion charge exemption in some cities. Source London for example, a city-wide charging network, was launched in Spring 2011, and for a minimal annual charge, members can charge their EV for free at the point of use. Plans are being put in place to make EV charging more accessible to individuals and businesses. The Midlands Plugged-in Places (PiP) programme for instance is even going to install 200 home charge points at EV owner homes, and up to 1,000 charge points within a new build development at Corby Northants. Many people don’t still fully understand how they can live the EV lifestyle and the scheme is looking to change that with a range of educational initiatives. The Regional Development Agency, One North East is delivering educational programmes on EV infrastructure and regional developments to dealers. In Cornwall, plans are being drawn up to offer a grant system for the installation of charging points. Go to www.dft.gov.uk for more information about the Plugged In Places scheme.
