Nissan pushes for rapid charge network
Many motorists have investigated the possibility of switching to a more carbon efficient alternative than their average petrol or diesel vehicle.
While some might be encouraged by the low-levels of emissions produced, they might also be put off by the length of time it takes to charge a vehicle and the limited availability of charging stations across the UK.
With this in mind, Nissan has put itself at the front of a project to deliver rapid chargers for electric vehicles at sites all over the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The scheme will see 74 of these systems introduced, covering 1,100kms of major trunk routes in addition to EV-friendly links to seaports and five international airports.
Estonia, where the proposals were put forward at the Trans European Transport Network event in Tallinn, was the first country to deliver a nationwide system for charging electric vehicles.
The Rapid Charge Network (RCN), as it would be called in the UK, will be funded primarily by Nissan, in addition to contributions from Renault, BMW and Volkswagen, as well as ESB Ireland's Electricity Supply Board.
Nissan will be hoping to deliver the charging locations as soon as possible, in order to support its popular electric model, the LEAF.
Olivier Paturet, general manager of Nissan's Zero Emission Strategy & Corporate Planning, said: "Nissan is delighted to be leading this important initiative. The UK's Rapid Charge Network will provide a vital sense of security for all EV drivers, not just those using the award-winning Nissan LEAF, as well as helping to promote the advantages of zero emission mobility to others."
So far, Stranraer, Liverpool, Holyhead, Birmingham, Felixstowe, Leeds and Kingston upon Hull have been determined as locations for network, linking to sites in Dublin, Belfast and Eire.
Posted by Craig Salter