Chargemaster’s multi-brand Electric Vehicle (EV) showroom opens its doors on Saturday, July 22 at the Centre:MK in Milton Keynes.

The site will be run by a team of EV experts, providing information and advice to motorists who want to know more about EVs.

A fleet of 50 vehicles will be available, seven days per week, for visitors to test drive. Extended tests for up to a week are available for a nominal £70 charge.

The EV Experience Centre will educate visitors on the benefits of driving an EV, supporting Milton Keynes’ transformation into the UK’s first Go Ultra Low City. From impartial advice on specific models, government grants available, different types of plug-in vehicle and charging options, the centre will cover every aspect of EV ownership. 

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster, said: “The opening of the EV Experience Centre is a landmark moment for electric vehicles in the UK.

“The next five years will see the uptake of EVs ramp up, as a wider choice of models come to market, with improved range and greater desirability.”

He believes the number of EVs on UK roads will reach one million by 2022.

“Over the next five years, a significant number of new models will have a range of more than 200 miles, with a lower purchase price than their earlier vehicles. Consumers will also be able to choose from larger range of electric vehicles,” Martell added.

As an independent site there is no sales pressure, but those interested in purchasing a car can be referred to a local dealer.

The EV Experience centre is part of Milton Keynes Council’ s Go Ultra Low City scheme, funded by government, and supports the town’ s aim for electric vehicles to make up 23% of all new car sales in the local area within five years.

Six vehicle manufacturers support the site and the EV Experience Centre will initially showcase models from BMW i, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen.

In addition to expert advice on the different vehicle technologies, visitors will able to find out about local charging infrastructure, including the creation of two EV charging ‘ hubs’  in Milton Keynes, free EV parking and grants for home and workplace charging.

The AA Trust, also a founding partner of the centre, has launched its new Drive Electric lessons, which will initially be run from the EV Experience Centre. The lessons have been designed by Drive Tech and will be delivered by AA instructors, to help drivers better understand electric vehicles, and how to get the best out of them when driving.

The EV Experience Centre is located within Centre:MK, 26 & 28 Crown Walk, Milton Keynes, MK9 3ES.