Work has started to install the first network of rapid charging points for electric vehicles across Britain’s motorway network.
The charge points, which will allow drivers to fully recharge their EV's depleted battery in 30 minutes, are being rolled out at 19 Roadchef motorway service areas. The number of points at each location will be dependent on demand. The first point was switched on at Clacket Lane services on the M25 last month.
The network is run by charge point operator Engenie. Company boss Jeremy Littman said: “We are convinced that this will be one of the turning points which allows electric car ownership to go from a niche concern to a compromise-free alternative to petrol."
The system will be pay-as-you-go, as opposed to subscription-based, and cost will depend on how much charge is needed. To fully charge a Nissan Leaf would cost about £5.
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That seems great innovation
That seems great innovation of now a days as it meets the requirment of energy deficiency and can be affordable in this economical conditions.
I drive an and fast chargers like the above extend range.
Living in the U.S., in the Los Angeles area, I drive over 2,000 miles per month in my Nissan LEAF. I have access to just one fast charger. That is what can be done with just one fast charger. Just like with a gasoline car, an ev (electric vehicle) is limited by proximity to a fueling station. If DC fast chargers where at every gasoline station, then I think that there wouldn't be much of a discussion on ev range.
Engenie is on the right track. For most people, a charging every night at home is more than enough range. The DC fast charger is for the unusal, but necessary, 50+ mile one-way trip and Engenie is going to make money.
Useful for AA / RAC recovery?
It does seem a little pointless for the moment, If you had an EV you're unlikely to take it on the motorway network for an extended journey with current ranges available, but I suppose it could help the odd stranded driver, and could also be useful as somewhere that the car could be recovered to by the AA / RAC etc.