The first electric vehicle charging point on the M5 motorway through Somerset has been unveiled at Sedgemoor Services near Burnham-On-Sea this week.
The system is part of a national motorway charging network for electric vehicles, launched by ‘green’ energy firm Ecotricity.
The firm has installed free power points at seven service stations across the UK, including on the northbound side of Sedgemoor Services.
Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said they were “creating the infrastructure” despite there being only about 2,000 electric cars on the road in the UK.
He said: “It’s often said that one of the reasons more people don’t buy electric cars is because of a lack of charging facilities.”
“But the reason more charging facilities aren’t built is because not enough people are buying electric cars. We’re hoping to break that impasse.”
The power outlets offer a 13A current supply and a higher 32A supply which can fully recharge an electric car in two to 12 hours.
Each charging point has two sockets that can be accessed by registering for a free swipe-card. Within 18 months, all 27 Welcome Break motorway services across Britain will have the charging points. Electric car owners who want to register for a free swipe card should visit Ecotricity’s website here.
