North East England has confirmated that an advanced network of 1,300 electric vehicle (EV) recharging posts will be installed within the next three years.

Elektromotive has ramped up production in order to supply the first batch of 200 Elektrobay recharging posts during August 2010. This will be a critical element in a strategy to make the North East one of the most advanced regions in the world for sustainable transport.

The rapid installation timescales will ensure that North East England is home to the world’s largest single network of Elektrobay recharging posts by the end of 2010. The installations are being commissioned by Regional Development Agency One North East through Newcastle City Council, as part of the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative, which is helping to establish electric vehicle recharging infrastructure in key strategic locations around the UK.

Elektromotive managing director Calvey Taylor-Haw, said: “The North East England project is an extremely welcome development in the creation of a robust EV recharging network in the UK. Publicly accessible recharging posts are essential for encouraging consumers to buy the new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that will aid progress towards a low carbon future. This project will set an ambitious new benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas.”

David Slater, executive director of Environment and Regeneration at Newcastle City Council said, “Newcastle was at the forefront of the carbon-based economy, and we are proud to be a partner in building the low carbon economy. It is particularly exciting to be working with the leading European manufacturer Elektromotive.”